Darren Byfield: Ronan Maher "would be involved" if Walsall had recall option

Maher has scored four goals and set-up two more in all competitions for Tamworth this term, but has missed the last six games in the National League due to injury. 

Walsall are unable to recall Maher before the end of the season, but Byfield has claimed he would fit perfectly into his set-up if he could.

"We can't [recall him] because honestly Ronan is someone that I would want involved," Byfield suggested.

"I think he's a talented boy and would fit right into this set-up. I don't think it helped when I said: 'Ronan, if you were here then you would be involved'. 

"But he is a talented boy and somebody who Walsall should be proud to have here." 

Byfield has been to watch Maher on a number of occasions during his loan spells at Tamworth and Rushall Olympic respectively. 

Maher, who joined Walsall aged 11, has demonstrated his versatility at both clubs, but Byfield is convinced he can excel as either a central midfielder, or winger in a 4-3-3 at Bescot.

Ronan Maher is 'an X-Factor'

"He's an X-Factor - that's what Ronan Maher is," he added. 

"The difficult part was where does he fit in a 3-5-2? In a 4-3-3, he's like a number of other players that we have that can play as an eight or on the wing. 

"Those are the players that you want in your team because if they're starting or coming on then the opposition have to worry about them."  

Maher made his senior debut aged just 17 in the Saddlers' 4-0 opening day victory over Hartlepool United at Bescot under Michael Flynn in July 2022. 

He penned a fresh two-year contract with the club last summer but was unable to force his way into former head coach Mat Sadler's plans. 

In total, Maher has started just two league games for Walsall and scored his first goal for the club with a long-range strike into the top corner in a League Cup defeat at Blackburn Rovers in August 2023.