'Means a lot' - Daniel Kanu on Walsall stay and his targets this season

Daniel Kanu says staying at Walsall until the end of the season "means a lot" after his recall period ended last week.

The 21-year-old has netted 14 goals across all competitions - including 11 in League Two - since joining on loan from Championship side Charlton Athletic last summer. 

His goal scoring form raised fears that he could be recalled in January, but Kanu is delighted to be able to focus on the remainder of the campaign at Walsall.

Walsall stay "means a lot" for Kanu

"The main thing for me was knowing that I was going to be staying for the rest of the season," Kanu said.

"We've built something really good and strong over the past couple of months. To be able to continue that means a lot to me. 

Daniel Kanu scored his 14th goal of the season during Walsall's 3-1 win at Tranmere last weekend.placeholder image
Daniel Kanu scored his 14th goal of the season during Walsall's 3-1 win at Tranmere last weekend.

Walsall had been stung in the previous two winter windows when Freddie Draper, and most notably Nathan Lowe, returned to their parent clubs. 

But Kanu insists that he never had any incline that he would be heading back to The Valley this month.

Kanu fully focused on the present

"Honestly, there was nothing really [in terms of conversations about his future] expect from me knowing that it's January," he added.

"It was very much just about focusing on the present and every game that was coming up. 

"Thank god I was able to do that and keep my head screwed on despite the noise and other people asking me what was going on. 

"For me, it has just been about staying focused and giving my all. I was quite confident in staying because I never got any inclination that I would be recalled. 

Kanu has scored in back-to-back games ahead of the visit of Accrington on Saturday.placeholder image
Kanu has scored in back-to-back games ahead of the visit of Accrington on Saturday.

"Those sort of things can happen but my main priority has been staying focused on doing well here."

Kanu eying plenty more goals

Only Swindon Town frontman Aaron Drinan and Bromley's Michael Cheek (both 14 each) have scored more than Kanu in League Two this term and the Walsall loanee has set himself a target to reach by the end of the season.

"I'll be honest, I told my loan manager at Charlton that I wanted to score 10 before New Year," he revealed.

"Then he asked me, what are you going to do now? I said I don't know, but in all competitions I am trying to aim for 25. 

"God willing I get there and if I can score more now than I did in the first half of the season. 

"It's most important to help the team, but the more often I put the ball in the back of the net, it helps the team."

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