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Florent Cuvelier fighting for Walsall starting spot

Florent Cuvelier says he is focused on forcing his way back into the Walsall team rather than worrying about his future.

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The Belgian, who has seen his career blighted by injury over the past few years, is out of contract at the end of the season.

Cuvelier has featured 12 times for the Saddlers this season. But he hasn’t starting a game since injuring his knee at Northampton back in November.

The midfielder returned to fitness in January but he has since had to make do with a place on the subs bench due to the form of George Dobson.

And the 25-year-old admits he’s now got a big few months ahead.

“We have got 12 games left – I want to start 12 games and get a couple of goals as well,” he said.

“I want to help the team finish as high as possible. The rest is then wait and see.

“The fact I am out of contract is at the back of my mind. I would be lying if I said it wasn’t.

“But that’s not the main target for me at the moment. The main target is to get back in the team and if I get back playing doors will open. We’re going to have to see what happens.”

Cuvelier will be part of the Saddlers squad that travels to take on Southend tomorrow. And he said he’s on good shape ahead of game.

“I’m ready to go.” he added.

“I’m remaining patient but I’m doing a lot of work behind the scenes to keep myself fit.

“Obviously I want to play. But this part of a footballers life, sometimes you play other times you are on the bench. All you can do is be ready when called upon.”

Tomorrow’s game remains in doubt as sub-zero weather and snow storms continue to batter Britain.

Gillingham called off their match with Rotherham yesterday with Priestfield Stadium just 13 miles from Southend’s Roots Hall as the crow flies across the Thames Estuary.

But the Shrimpers, who haven’t lost in five games under new boss Chris Powell, have vowed to do everything they can to get the game on.

The club have paid for industrial covers which have been placed on the pitch since Monday.

Under the protectors, the playing surface remains covered in snow, but fans are being asked to arrive at the ground from 8am tomorrow to help the ground staff clear it in time.

A statement on the club’s website said: “As a club we will do everything we possibly can at our end for the game to go ahead as we look to continue our excellent home form under Chris Powell.”