Walsall winger James Baxendale getting back to best

The 21-year-old has featured infrequently for the Saddlers during the second half of the season and last started a game on New Year's Day.

But Smith has now revealed the wideman's troubles were partly down to injury and believes his performance in the 2-0 win at Bradford on Tuesday – when Baxendale was a half-time substitute – shows he is getting back to his best.

"James started really brightly but he had a bit of an injury, we are not sure whether it was a hernia or the beginning of one, and he was trying to play through it and train through it which didn't help him," said Smith.

"Once he came through it he has been a lot brighter and I was pleased with his performance on Tuesday.

Baxendale signed a three-year deal with the Saddlers last summer and Smith added: "He is going to be a big player for us, we all know that."