Tom Bradshaw told to keep working hard

The forward is the Saddlers' leading scorer with nine goals, but hasn't found the net in his last four games.

He last registered from open play against Doncaster on September 12. But even when he isn't finding the target, Smith believes the 23-year-old Welshman is integral to Walsall's play.

The Saddlers manager said: "We've scored seven goals against Colchester and Gillingham in our last two games and best of all Bradshaw hasn't been on the score-sheet.

"Against Gillingham, Romaine Sawyers got man of the match. Jason Demetriou has got his long awaited goal which he has been searching for. Rico Henry, I thought, was outstanding.

"What's got lost in some of that is Tom hasn't scored, but his work rate and the way he works two centre-backs is exceptional.

"It allows us to have another man in midfield and helps create chances for other players and that is really unselfish of him.

"It makes it very difficult for defenders to pick up the likes of George Evans who put a super ball in for Milan Lalkovic's goal on Saturday. He is a really big player for us, at the moment."

Meanwhile, Smith is yet to speak to Manchester City about extending the loan of midfielder Evans.

The 20-year-old was snapped up for an initial month on October 20 after Sam Mantom picked up an ankle sprain.

But he has made a big impression in Saddlers colours with two goals and an assist in his first three games.

Smith said: "I haven't needed to speak to Man City yet. We have got a really good relationship with them and they have been really pleased with his progress.

"We update them on how well he is doing."

Elsewhere, 18th-placed Cambridge United have sacked former Walsall manager Richard Money.