"Crucial" - Walsall marksman Daniel Kanu backed to play key role in League Two run-in

Kanu has scored in back-to-back games for the Saddlers after also breaking his duck on the international stage with Sierra Leone last week.

The 21-year-old scored in a FIFA Series friendly against Azerbaijan on Monday and scored four days later from the bench in a 2-2 draw against Gillingham for Walsall in League Two.

Kanu has ‘had a great season with us’ - Byfield

That extended his season tally to 18 goals in all competitions - including 15 in League Two - although Walsall were cut three points adrift of the play-off spots after dropping points.

On the Walsall top scorer, Byfield said: “Yes definitely [his goals will be crucial] and Daniel has had a great season with us.

“He will score goals. That’s what we know he’ll do but he’s also more than that because he scares opposition defences.

“They’re always going to worry about him which frees up space for the eights and the wingers to have a bit more joy.”

Kanu had previously gone seven games without a goal - his longest drought in Walsall colours - until he ended that dry spell with the equaliser in a 2-1 home success over Newport County on March 21.

Matt hopeful of return this week

Jamille Matt is yet to feature under interim head coach Byfield due to a knee issue but has trained at Essington for the past fortnight.

Byfield has revealed that Matt is still building up his fitness and is hoping that he will be match-fit later in the week.

“He’s still getting up his fitness Jamma and I’m hoping over the next few days that he’ll be available,” he added.

“Then it’s down to selection then over whether he gets in.”