Walsall's Darren Byfield: I played through the pain

Darren Byfield today revealed he was only "50 per cent" fit and playing through the pain barrier at the end of last season.

The Walsall striker has just completed the Saddlers' 'maintenance week' which has seen him recover from the knock he picked up against Wycombe in April.

And he admits he was only half fit at the end of the campaign as he helped the club to 10th in League One - their best finish in six years.

"I was worried towards the end of last season because I damaged my knee against Wycombe and it was getting worse so I was sprinting on one leg. It was sore," said the 33-year-old.

"I couldn't shoot or anything, I was just trying to get through games.

"It's only been this week where it's actually healed. A rest was needed and I was playing at about 50 per cent but you want to play and the lads wanted to finish 10th so that's what pushed me on."

Byfield and groin injury victim Julian Gray were just two of the walking wounded and the striker believes fans need to know the Saddlers squad will put their bodies on the line.

"A lot of people don't know the players were hindered because they were carrying something or have had a bad knock," he said.

"There were a few of us who were carrying knocks and had to play so it's testament to the players and their determination."

By Nick Mashiter