Walsall handed a double injury boost on pair

Manager Dean Smith revealed midfielder Mantom, who has been struggling with a knee ligament problem throughout pre-season, could feature in tomorrow's final friendly clash against Villa at the Banks's.

And the Saddlers boss is also hopeful forward Cook, who suffered a hairline fracture of his right ankle last month, could now be back far sooner than expected after the 24-year-old had initially been ruled out for around six weeks.

Mantom has not played a minute in pre-season to date, yet while Smith admitted the 22-year-old had made significant advances in the past week, he stressed no undue risks will be taken with the club's player of the year.

"We had some really positive news with Sam at the end of last week," said Smith. "He got a lot of work in with (physio) Jon Whitney, kicking the ball as well.

"I'm in Jon's hands a little bit, to see how he has reacted over the weekend.

"He'll be in today and we will see if we could get something out of him against Villa. It would be a massive boost. We all know what type of player Sam is, he was player of the season last year.

"But if it is not to be we have able deputies at the moment who are capable of taking his position."

Smith is also keeping his fingers crossed over Cook, after a further check up late last week revealed his injury may not be as bad as first feared. The former Sunderland ace will undergo another X-ray later this week to gauge how long his recovery might take.

"Cookie went to see the specialist and there is no lasting damage to any ligaments," said Smith.

"It was just a high sprain with a slight crack. He will have another X-ray at the end of the week and we will see if the calcification has taken place and hopefully he won't be out for as long as first thought."