Day off is Christmas gift for Saddlers

While many clubs opt to call players in, Saddlers boss Dean Smith is letting his spend the day with their families.

Instead, the manager will hold a training session on Boxing Day morning ahead of the afternoon meeting with Swindon Town at the Banks's Stadium.

The Saddlers will then train again on Saturday before they visit MK Dons on Sunday.

Smith said: "I give the players Christmas Day off.

"We work with them on Christmas Eve and then they will come in early on Boxing Day to do a light session ahead of the Swindon game.

"I know a lot of clubs get the players in on Christmas Day but I'm one of those who feels people then rush in and rush home.

"I think you have to give the trust to the players and I've done it (Christmas Day off) ever since I became manager.

"You get some good performances and you get some indifferent ones but that is no different to how it would be whatever schedule you decided on."

Aside from long-term absentee Sam Mantom, Smith's only injury concern remains left-back Andy Taylor. A knee injury has caused the dependable defender to miss the last three games and he faces a battle to return against the Robins.

"Everyone is training with the exception of Andy who is still with (physio) Jon Whitney," explained Smith.

"Jon just wants to make sure everything is alright before sending him back into full training."

"We were hopeful he would be back for the Sheffield United game but he just felt the knee again in training and we don't want him to break down again."

Should Taylor not make it, Rico Henry will again deputise. The 17-year-old has received rave reviews since making his professional bow against Tranmere in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy earlier this month.

The Saddlers will look to extend a seven game unbeaten run against Swindon and Smith added: "We have said from the start of the season if you can pick up what you can away and win your home games it moves you up that league table.

"We feel confident at the moment and in a bit of form. They were beaten by Doncaster last weekend so it makes for a good game."