James Baxendale may leave Walsall for good

The 23-year-old joined the Stags on a one-month emergency loan on Saturday and then went on to score on his debut as they overcame Stevenage 2-1.

Baxendale has played more than 100 games for the Saddlers since joining from Doncaster Rovers back in 2012.

But he has been restricted to just one start and five substitute appearances this season.

Baxendale, who hails from South Yorkshire, said: "On a personal level, my season at Walsall hasn't really got going. The team is flying. I have been involved every week with the squad.

"But, with Walsall top of the league, there haven't been too many opportunities for me to stake a claim."

Asked if he could stay beyond an initial month, Baxendale said: "That is something I'm definitely interested in.

"I'm fairly local and with the position the team are in in the league, it certainly interests me."

Baxendale admitted he made the move as he was keen to get back playing first-team football.

He added: "It was a move I was made aware of earlier last week and, when I found out about it, I was keen to get done. I know a few of the lads here so I always keep an eye on the results.

"I know Mitch Rose from when I was at Doncaster and Mal Benning and Craig Westcarr, who were both at Walsall.

"They are all good lads and I spoke to them on the phone, about the club and how it works. They spoke very highly about the team and of the manager."

Meanwhile, Walsall club officials are working with Doncaster to re-arrange their League One clash which was due to take place on January 30.

That game has been forced to make way, after the Saddlers made it through to the FA Cup fourth round for the first time in 10 years. A new date will be announced shortly.