Dean Smith hints at more long term contracts as Richard O'Donnell signs extension

The 25-year-old shot-stopper put pen to paper yesterday on a deal which will keep him at the Banks's until the end of next season.

And Smith hopes more deals could soon be in the pipeline with full-back Andy Taylor, whose contract is set to expire in the summer, top of the priority list.

"I'm talking to one or two players at the moment in terms of looking to extend contracts and speaking to their representatives," said Smith.

"Hopefully something will be done before the end of this month.

"We are planning again for the future and beyond."

O'Donnell, who joined the club last summer, became the fourth Saddler to be handed extended terms this season, following in the footsteps of James Baxendale, Paul Downing and Sam Mantom.

After earning a permanent contract following a successful trial, he has been an ever-present this term, playing his part as the Saddlers have established one of the meanest defensive records in League One.

And the former Sheffield Wednesday man is relishing the prospect of helping the club in a play-off push over the second half of the season.

"We've put ourselves in a good position during the first half of the season," said O'Donnell. ""We're looking strong as a unit and are ready to really push on for the play-offs.

"There are a lot of games coming up. December was a busy month and now January is going to be the same.

"The aim is to get as many points on the board as we can and find a level of consistency that will keep us in amongst the leading pack.

"We're looking forward to getting back into action at Tranmere on Saturday. They have started to pick up a few results recently, but if we play like we did against them on the opening day of the season, we will be okay.

"We know it will be tough, all games are in this League, but if we reach the standards that we have set ourselves, and that we know we are capable of, we will be okay."