Sam Mantom will fight for his spot at Walsall

The 23-year-old has seen only limited action since recovering from an ankle injury earlier this month.

Mantom, who spent almost all of last season out with a knee injury, was enjoying a fine start to the campaign before being forced off during the 2-1 defeat to Chesterfield on October 17.

Despite a quicker than expected recovery, the form of George Evans – who was drafted in on loan from Manchester City to replace him – means Mantom is yet to start in the league since his return.

After starting the FA Cup second round replay win over Chesterfield, he found himself back on the bench for last Sunday's 2-0 win over Port Vale, O'Driscoll's first game in charge.

"The injury was a bit of a setback because I was really pushing on and had found some form," he said. "It's going to be really tough to get back in the team now. I got back in record time, within five or six weeks."

Mantom began the season looking to make up for lost time after the frustrations of last term, his impressive form including three goals.

Evans has netted the same number in 12 appearances since joining the Saddlers and struck up a central midfield partnership with skipper Adam Chambers.

His loan from City is set to expire on January 9 and though Walsall will be keen to extend it, his form is understood to have attracted the attention of Championship clubs.

The Saddlers, who sit second in League One, head to Millwall today, before hosting Peterborough at at the Banks's on Monday.

Striker Jordan Cook, who netted both goals in the win over Vale, is eager to continue a run of three straight league wins.

"We set ourselves targets on how many points to get and we're hard to beat, which is a massive thing.

"I think we've surprised a lot of people this season and we've got momentum. We just need to keep it going now."