Walsall loan swoop isn't on Dean Smith's radar

The Saddlers went into today's trip to Gillingham without James Chambers, Sam Mantom, Ben Purkiss and Jordan Cook , while there were doubts over captain Adam Chambers and top scorer Tom Bradshaw after they missed Tuesday's 4-0 defeat at Rochdale.

Bradshaw and James Chambers have hamstring injuries, Adam Chambers, Purkiss and Cook have ankle problems and player of the season Mantom is struggling with his knee.

Smith has previously described the injury crisis as the worst since he has been at the club. But the Banks's chief pledged to carry on with his current squad until the casualties ease.

"If I have 18 fit bodies, I won't be bringing anyone in," said Smith.

"If I don't I might have to dip into the loan market but I don't foresee it at this stage."

Smith is hoping to have several players back fit soon.

"We're hoping so," he said. "After the anger died down on Tuesday I probably got in my helicopter above the trees and looked down and saw I was missing my captain, top goalscorer and my player of the season.

"I'm not sure about Adam and Tom yet. We'll have to see if they're fit today.

"James Chambers, Cook and Purkiss are nearing fitness now.

"On the sheet I get every morning from Jon Whitney the red marker pen is starting to come off it."

Smith believes the crisis has stretched Walsall's resources to the limit.

"If someone had told me at the start of the season I'd have Billy Clifford and Reece Flanagan as our central midfield pairing I'd probably have laughed," he said. "But that's where we're at. They're the two players who did so well in the second-half against Preston and I thought they'd be able to do it again (at Rochdale).

"I'm not by any means blaming them for the performance on Tuesday because it was all 11 players at fault, probably with the exception of Romaine Sawyers, who I thought did OK."

Smith admits he has had to be patient regarding the return of Mantom, who has been out since pre-season.

"It's been a real concern because I keep saying he's a week away," he said.

"Sam is frustrated, as we all are, but you can't make somebody play if they're injured.

"It's just a case of him not being able to strike the ball with his right foot.

"We have plenty of reserve games coming up so we'll have to have a look at him."