Dean Smith set for talks over Walsall's Michael Cain

Clifford, 22, signed a short-term deal with the Saddlers in the summer but made only one substitute appearance since October and manager Dean Smith decided not to offer an extension.

Clifford was sidelined following the arrival of 20-year-old Cain from Leicester City on an initial one-month loan deal, which has twice been extended.

Whether it is now stretched further will form the discussions Smith will hold with the Foxes and Cain himself. At present the midfielder's stay is due to end after next Saturday's game at Colchester.

With the transfer window now open, the Saddlers could look to keep him until the end of the season. But the situation is made slightly more complex by the fact the player's deal at the King Power Stadium expires in the summer.

"That is a discussion we have with Leicester City, Michael and his family," said Smith. "His contract is up at the end of the season with Leicester City, so it is important his family are involved in the decision because it is a big decision."

Smith will also assess the progress of Sam Mantom, who he hopes will soon be fully recovered from the knee problems which have blighted his campaign, before making a decision. Youngster Reece Flanagan remains an option in midfield, while Smith admits he has a list of potential targets if required.

Cain was set to make the 18th appearance of his stay in this afternoon's home game with Scunthorpe and has played an integral role in the club's progress to the brink of Wembley in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

"For a kid in his first loan he has done very well and it has coincided with a really good run of performances and results from the team as well," he said.

"Leicester have to decide what is best for him. We have had initial discussions and we will take it from there."

Clifford made 17 appearances, but his last start came in the 2-1 defeat at Oldham on October 11.

"I feel a little bit sorry for him because of the form of Adam Chambers and Michael," added Smith. "He came into the team when we probably had an indifferent spell and never really had a consistent team with the injuries.

"He came and did well off the bench but with the exception of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy game at Rochdale, where I thought he was excellent, he had not been as consistent when he started games.

"I wish him well in the future and would certainly not have a bad word said against him because his attitude was spot-on."