Lee Grant hopeful Walsall man could make return ahead of schedule

Walsall boss Lee Grant is hopeful key midfielder Antony Evans could make his injury return slightly ahead of schedule.

On-loan Huddersfield man Evans, 28, endured a frustrating start to his life at Bescot with a hamstring injury shortly into his third appearance following a deadline day switch.

Evans was initially billed as likely to return to availability towards the end of December, but Grant is optimistic the experienced midfielder is recovering ahead of schedule.

Grant said: “Evo is flying, he’s doing really well.

“Again, not putting pressure on him, but his rehab is going better than probably what he would’ve hoped at the start.

“Is there an opportunity for him to shave a week off? Maybe. Do we think we’ll see him sooner than we thought originally? Maybe.

“It’s pretty positive really.”

Fellow midfielder Alex Pattison, 29, has endured a nightmare campaign to date and is yet to kick a ball competitively after a September setback to a pre-season hamstring injury.

Grant, whose troops head to Newport County in the FA Cup on Saturday, said of January recruit Pattison: “Patto is progressing really nicely.

“Healing and rehab is going all to plan. We’re still plenty of weeks away before we see Patto back on the grass and in training with us.”

Grant added: “I’ve not made a song and dance about it, but they’re two of the best players in this league, let alone this building.

“To not have them has been tough, but the mentality in the group, and myself and the staff, is to try not to cry about it too often and try not to be woe is me because we’ve lost Antony Evans who we think is brilliant and Patto who we think is going to be so important for us this season and hasn’t been able to kick a ball for us yet.

“When we get them back it will be important and massive so we’re looking forward to it.”