Walsall near to Michael Cain loan extension

Manager Dean Smith has confirmed the Saddlers are in advanced talks with the Premier League club over keeping the 20-year-old for a further month.

They hope to push the paperwork through before tomorrow's trip to Sheffield United.

Cain has made 11 appearances since arriving at the Banks's on an initial one month loan deal in October and played a key role in the team's current six game unbeaten run in League One.

The young midfielder also scored his first senior goal in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy win at Tranmere and Smith is keen to keep him for at least another month, with the possibility he may then consider a season-long loan.

Smith said: "We are in advanced talks about keeping him for an extra month and, hopefully, that can be done before the weekend.

"His loan is up after the game at Sheffield United and Leicester were keen to get it done, so it is just a case of getting the paperwork sorted. He has done really well.

"Michael has been an important cog for us over the last two months."

Cain's first appearance was in the 1-0 defeat at Crawley, a result which dropped the Saddlers joint bottom of the division.

Since then they have climbed into the top half and could shoot even higher with a successful festive period which sees them travel to the Blades before taking on high-flying Swindon and MK Dons.

Meanwhile, tickets today went on sale to season ticket holders and supporters with a booking history for the second leg of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy area final.

It has been scheduled for Wednesday February 4 at the Banks's Stadium. Admission prices are £10 for adults and £5 for juniors under-18 and seniors over-60.