Sam Mantom Walsall saga takes new twist

The 22-year-old has made just four substitute appearances this season, because of persistent problems with the knee and would appear to have suffered another setback.

Walsall were hopeful the end of Mantom's road to recovery was in sight last month, when he was given a growth hormone injection.

But manager Dean Smith has confirmed the player will see a surgeon today to decide on the next course of action after again complaining of pain.

Smith said: "It has gone back to the candle at the end of the tunnel. He will be going to see the surgeon to have a chat with him to see if he (the surgeon) needs to go in.

"It has been a long running saga which has not been nice for him or us. He is still feeling it a little bit.

"For a period it was okay and then he is feeling something now so it is a case of going to see the surgeon.

"I'm sure the surgeon may recommend a scope to be put in to have a look, which was always a last resort.

"He was player of the season last year and we have hardly got him on the pitch this season."

Mantom was named the Saddlers player of the season last term, but has seen the following campaign blighted by an injury he picked up while on holiday over the summer.

Smith said: "It's been an absolute nightmare for him and for us. He was Player of the Season last year and a really good performer at this level. We have been starved of him."

Mantom is once more the Saddlers only absentee for tomorrow's game at Colchester, with Smith hoping for a reaction from his team after last weekend's 4-1 home defeat to Scunthorpe.

Meanwhile, only 400 tickets remain for Walsall's Johnstone's Paint Trophy second leg clash with Preston.