Saddlers duo close in on new contracts
Walsall are close to agreeing new deals with key duo Kieron Morris and Paul Downing.
Manager Dean Smith has been talking to the pair, who are both out of contract at the end of the season, and is confident both will agree fresh terms soon.
Winger Morris has started six straight games, scoring two goals, since being recalled from a loan spell at Wrexham.
Smith confirmed last week he was keen to keep the 20-year-old, claiming Morris has shown the "hunger" needed to be a professional.
Centre-back Downing has, meanwhile, been out of the team since the 2-0 Johnstone's Paint Trophy final defeat to Bristol City at Wembley.
The manager has preferred James Chambers and James O'Connor as a combination in the heart of defence.
Nevertheless, Smith believes the 23-year-old – who was made vice-captain last summer – still has a big future at the Banks's.
"It was just time for him to come out of the firing line in the last month," said Smith.
"But he has done really well and will be a big player for us in the future. I have been speaking to both Kieron and Paul over the last few weeks.
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"I'm just waiting for Paul to come back to me but I'm confident something will be done, if not by the end of this week than by early next week."
The duo will follow 17-year-old Rico Henry in committing their futures to the club.
Discussions with top scorer Tom Bradshaw, who is contracted to the end of next season, will continue while the Saddlers are still waiting for an answer from goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell.
The 25-year-old has been offered a two-year contract. Smith has offered professional contracts to youth team stars Kyle and Levi Rowley.
The pair, who are not related, have both broken into the reserve team this season.
Defender Kyle captained the youth team to Midlands Floodlit Trophy glory, while forward Levi scored 10 goals and twice for the second string.
