Sam Mantom praying to make Wembley team sheet
Reigning player of the year Sam Mantom has set his sights on a Wembley appearance with Walsall as the Saddlers run the rule over his former Albion team-mate Alex Jones.
Mantom and Jones both figured for the Saddlers' reserves in their 2-0 defeat to Morecambe yesterday with Mantom now aiming to win a place on the substitutes' bench for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final on March 22.
He will now use the home games against MK Dons and Sheffield United in League One in a bid to prove his fitness to boss Dean Smith.
Mantom, who played for 65 minutes yesterday, said: "It was always in my mind when I was on the sidelines and when we got to Wembley because I thought 'I've still got a chance here'.
"I'm indebted to all the lads for getting us there and I'm hoping to be involved, even if it's only on the bench.
"It's going to be a great day for the club, for myself and for my family and friends but we've got two big games before then and we need to turn things around in the league.
"I've been getting a bit of stick off some of the lads saying I've timed it brilliantly and that no-one else has come back this quickly and I've done it for Wembley!
"It felt brilliant yesterday. I wanted to play the whole game but the gaffer and Richard O'Kelly pulled me back under instructions from Jon Whitney (physio), but it's a delight to be back out in the sun playing football so I can get my life back now."
Mantom has played just four times this season with his last first-team appearance coming in November but he recently underwent surgery to cure a knee ligament injury.
Jones, aged 20, has joined the Saddlers on trial after being told he would not be offered a new contract with the Baggies.
The Wolverhampton-born striker has spent his youth career with Albion and scored prolifically but he is now on the lookout for a new club.
He played 90 minutes for the Saddlers yesterday as boss Smith considers his options for next season.
