Saddlers enter talks to give new deals to stars

Fifteen-goal top scorer Tom Bradshaw and home-grown starlet Rico Henry are in line for improved terms, even though they have almost 18 months on their current contracts.

And goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell and defender Paul Downing, who are out of contract in the summer, are set for new deals.

Chief executive Stefan Gamble said: "I had a meeting with Dean Smith at 4pm yesterday and that (contracts) was the top item on the agenda.

"We've been talking about it for a few weeks and we are working on it."

Bradshaw, 22, has attracted Championship admirers to the Banks's Stadium since his free transfer move from Shrewsbury last summer, while the form of Henry, 17, has exceeded also expectations.

O'Donnell and Downing have been two of the club's most consistent performers for Smith's side.

Gamble, who was addressing a Saddlers fans' forum at the Banks's with secretary Dan Mole, said the club were looking to extend the month's loan of Manchester City striker Jordy Hiwula, who has scored twice in three games.

Meanwhile, Walsall face being without up to four regulars against Port Vale tomorrow – but Smith is convinced his team has the strength in depth to cope.

The make-up of the Saddlers forward line in particular is open to debate with doubts lingering over Tom Bradshaw, Jordan Cook and Anthony Forde.

Bradshaw is rated as 50-50 to return after missing the last two games with a hamstring problem, while Forde is being assessed for a groin strain.

Cook is suffering with the same problem while defender James Chambers is also touch and go to make it.

But Smith insists these are not problems his side haven't coped with before.

"It is a chunk to have out of the team," he said.

"But it was a chunk on Tuesday with Tom not being there, plus James Chambers and Sam Mantom still being out and Fordey having to go off at half-time.

"We got through the game and won the game so we know we can cope."