George Evans: I'd love to stay longer at Saddlers

Midfielder George Evans admits he is keen to extend his loan spell with Walsall.

The Manchester City youngster has shone since joining the Saddlers for an initial month on October 20. Evans has netted three times in four Walsall appearances after stepping into the void left by the injured Sam Mantom.

The latest of the those goals came in the 2-0 FA Cup win over Fleetwood on Saturday, with Evans delighted with the start he has made. "I'm really enjoying my time here," he said. "Each day I'm learning from a great manager and great players. I'm only going to develop into a better player by being here at Walsall.

"I'd be delighted to stay for a longer period but it's a conversation that will happen between the gaffer and Manchester City. "I've spoken to the manager here a few times and if he wants me to stay I am more than happy to do that."

As well as scoring, Evans also cleared one off the line as Fleetwood pressed for an equaliser in the FA Cup first round clash. But he believes the Saddlers deserved the win the tie.

"Fleetwood had good movement – it was a tough game but I thought we deserved the win," he said.

"I thought we stayed organised and compact and I thought we defended well as a unit. It was a tough game but we communicated well and kept that clean sheet.

"I got one off the line but that's what it's all about, you have got to help each other out but all the players here look after each other."

Meanwhile, boss Dean Smith confirmed there have been no approaches made for talented full-back Rico Henry despite a hosts of top Premier League clubs circulating.

Before the weekend Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool were all mentioned in connection with the exciting 18-year-old. "I'd be surprised if they aren't," Smith said when asked if Premier League clubs are interested in Henry. "He is in a team that is doing really well at the moment and I'm sure he's not the only player people are watching."