Jordy Hiwula thrown in for his Walsall debut

With Tom Bradshaw out injured, Smith will be forced to juggle his forward line for tomorrow's League One trip to Doncaster.

And that could see Hiwula, who joined the Saddlers on a one-month loan deal from Manchester City earlier this week, handed a debut.

The 20-year-old trained with his new team-mates for the first time yesterday and Smith has no qualms about giving the striker a quick introduction.

"I went to watch Jordy play for City's under-21s on Monday night and he played all 90 minutes so he's up and running in terms of game time," said Smith.

"I think he played against Schalke the week before and obviously against ourselves as well when we played there in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

"He has played wide the last couple of times I've seen him but they actually see him as a No.9. I'm not into all this No.9 and No.10 and short striker and long striker whatever it is, but he is certainly a player that will excite people."

Hiwula's loan spell at Yeovil earlier this season was cut short, after he netted just once in nine appearances.

But Smith insists he remains highly regarded by City's coaching staff – including World Cup winner Patrick Vieira, who is in charge of the club's development section.

Smith added: "I spoke to Patrick after the game we played against them and he's very highly thought of. They want him to come out and play games."

Walsall will be looking to continue a six-game unbeaten run away from home, but Smith is keen for them to start turning draws into wins.

He said: "That is the important thing, but our away record is excellent at the moment."