Dean Keates looks to help out Walsall star Andy Cook

Target man Cook has netted 16 times in all competitions and struck four times in the Saddlers’ past two games.

But Keates is keen not to become over-reliant on the 28-year-old and is keen to bring in one forward, maybe two, to help him out before the transfer window shuts next week (Thurs, 31).

“Before the window shuts, I’m hopeful, fairly optimistic, that we’ll add a forward,” he said.

“People need to contribute and add to the goal tally.

“It’s something we’ll be looking at and, all being well, other players – maybe one or two – might join and add to the group, and do that.

“The lads that are in the group already need to step up to the plate as well.

“But one thing about Cooky’s stats is that he scores a lot more goals in the second half of the season than he does in the first.”

Cook scored a hat-trick as Walsall won 3-0 at Gillingham at the weekend and came up with a stunning solo effort as they slipped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night.

His goal at Home Park came minutes after missing a free header – and Keates was impressed with his never-say-die attitude.

“He kept going and that’s one thing about Cooky,” he said.

“I’m not going to stand here and paint a picture that he’s not.

“Some people will say he’s not the most glamorous on the eye, but what the lad does is give absolutely everything - and he gets goals.

“He showed he’s got good feet and showed great composure in the box.

“He’ll be frustrated with himself for the one he didn’t put away, but he kept going and that’s what he does.

“And he’ll get more before the end of the season.”

Keates also provided an update on attacker Morgan Ferrier, who is dealing with a hamstring injury and did not travel to Plymouth.

“He stayed back and trained with a few development players and youth teamers,” he added.

“All being well, he’ll be fit and able to join the group at the end of this week or next week.”