Time running out on Walsall contract deals, admits Sean O'Driscoll

With the exception of Tom Bradshaw, Rico Henry, Kieron Morris, and Neil Etheridge, a large chunk of the Saddlers squad see their deals expire this summer.

Talks with the out of contract stars have been continuing behind the scenes for some time.

And O'Driscoll believes it could be hard to keep some players if they don't win promotion to the Championship.

"Talks are ongoing but it's a difficult situation with the players," he said.

"The players have been together for quite a few seasons. They are at an age where they want to play at as high a level as possible.

"They could do that here. Or because of their performances there are a lot of people looking at them who think Walsall are a small club in the pecking order.

"We are there to be picked off, but we do the same with clubs underneath us.

"You look at clubs below and go what about that player - could he do it for us. It's all relative.

"But nothing is imminent with contracts as far as I'm concerned."

Meanwhile, the boss insists he is in no rush to add to his squad in the January transfer window, but says he has identified targets in case any of his players pick up injuries.

"We have got to be careful when changing things," O'Driscoll said.

"We could bring in two or three loan players. But could that upset the balance of the team?

"Adding players doesn't necessarily improve you, it can create a problem and ruin what you have got.

"I'm not saying we won't do it, but it has got to be the right person, at the right time in the right position.

"There is nothing close. But who knows?

"You can get a phone call at anytime. We have nothing planned but we could have an injury in training and all of a sudden the whole thing changes.

"Football is like that. You have got to be ready to do something – have your ducks in a row."