Dean Smith wants steel from Paul Downing

The Saddlers manager believes the 23-year-old needs to make his presence felt more in both boxes, after netting just one goal this term.

Downing, who signed a new one-year deal at the Banks's last week, will return to the club in pre-season looking to re-establish himself as a first XI regular after being dropped for the final eight games of the campaign.

Smith said: "Paul is the consistent sort, aside from maybe one or two games when his levels dropped.

"For me, he has got to be more aggressive, in both boxes. He only scored the one goal last season and we would like him to get more than that."

Smith revealed the decision to hand Downing only a one-year deal was a mutual one between the player and the club. "We both felt that would be best for him," explained Smith.

"He will be 24 next summer so it does have an impact in terms of his Bosman status. Obviously, if things are going well, we will look to extend it."

Downing has made more than 100 appearances for the Saddlers since joining from Albion 2012 and was appointed the club's vice captain last summer.

His last start came in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final defeat to Bristol City at Wembley

but while the manager accepts Downing will be frustrated at the way he finished the campaign, he feels the centre-back's strong performances in the first half of the year should not be forgotten.

"It is very easy to forget how well he has done," added the manager.

"He had some very good performances, particularly the second leg of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Area Final. He has been a very good player for us and we were very pleased to get the deal done."