Walsall set to extend Ronan Maher's loan at National League side Tamworth

Maher scored his first goal of the season during Tamworth's 2-1 victory over Southend United on Saturday, which put an end to a run of three consecutive defeats in the National League.

His initial youth loan is due to expire on Monday next week but the Republic of Ireland under-21 international is set to remain at the Lamb on a standard loan for the remainder of the campaign.

"The initial part of his loan expires the day before he turns 21. There will be a separate different loan after that just in terms of how youth loans work versus standard loans," Sadler said.

"We're looking at trying to work a way around that he can continue that loan without missing any games and then hopefully continue that for the rest of the season."

Maher has featured four times for the Walsall this term and has still been able to play in the EFL Trophy during his loan stay at Tamworth. 

The youngster featured twice in the group stage in the Saddlers' 3-1 win at Shrewsbury Town and 1-0 home defeat against Northampton Town. 

He also played 16 minutes from the bench during their 2-1 success at League One side Stevenage in the round of 32 earlier this month.

Sadler is led to believe that Maher will still be able to participate in the EFL Trophy, although that agreement is not yet set in stone.

"I'll have to check on that because me and him were talking about that today," he added.

"We're working with the thought that he can, but that's certainly one to check once the youth loan turns into a standard one."