Malvind Benning's future is with Walsall
Walsall boss Dean Smith has assured Mal Benning he remains part of his long-term plans after the defender headed out on loan.
Benning joined League Two York City on a month-long loan this week after struggling for playing time with the Saddlers.
The 21-year-old full-back, who is out of contract in the summer, has made 19 appearances this season but most of those have been off the bench.
That has prompted his move north, though Smith still believes Benning has a big future with the Saddlers.
"He remains part of our plans and I think he still has a big future at the club," Smith said.
"But he needs to go and play games and this gives him the opportunity to do that. We agreed it was the best thing to do."
With a huge Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash with Preston to come this Tuesday, Smith revealed he kept Benning involved at every stage of the process after first being contacted by York boss Russ Wilcox.
Primarily a left-back, Benning has often been utilised further up the pitch this season but has found competition for places fierce.
"I involved Mal in everything because he has been at this club for a long time," said Smith. "With the game on Tuesday, I wanted him to make the decision as well as me.
"He has a big affinity at this club but for his career moving forward we both felt it was best he goes out and plays games.
"He has not played as much as he would like and we have moved him a bit higher up the pitch.
"Andy Taylor has been doing well and Rico Henry has come in and done fantastically well. It gives him the chance to go and play games."
Smith added: "We have competition for places at the club but I am also mindful of the fact he is one we produced.
"For me he is a League One quality footballer, though I understand the need to play regular first team football, hence he has gone out, initially for a month.
"We will see where it goes from there."
The Saddlers are meanwhile keeping their fingers crossed on midfielder Sam Mantom after exploratory surgery on the midfielder's knee revealed no damage to ligaments.
Mantom was treated for swelling on his cartilage and must now rest up as he looks to finally shake the knee complaint which has kept him out for much of the season.
