Walsall's Troy Hewitt ready to fill the void

The 24-year-old is vying with Michael Ngoo for the right to lead the Saddlers line while 15-goal top scorer Westcarr serves a three-game ban.

Manager Dean Smith has challenged both to "step up to the plate" and Hewitt says he is more than ready to answer the call.

"You have to always be prepared for a situation like now," he said. "If you aren't watching what is going on in training you won't be ready to step in to the place which is spare.

"In training I've just been trying to give my all and try to give a reason for getting another chance in the team. I am confident. If I'm not confident in myself then no-one else will be. I just have to keep trying to prove what I can do."

Westcarr is suspended for the next three games, starting with Saturday's trip to Port Vale, following a red card in last weekend's win over Shrewsbury.

Hewitt, who joined the Saddlers last summer after being released by QPR, has scored just once this term and found his opportunities limited. Ngoo is yet to break his scoring duck since signing on loan from Liverpool on the last day of the January transfer window.

"Obviously it's a blow for Westy to be out because of a situation which could have been avoided," added Hewitt.

"If the opportunity arises for me to play, I'll be happy to pick up where we left off."

Hewitt, who played for the reserves in yesterday's 2-0 win over Shrewsbury, was handed rare first team starts against Wolves and Crewe last month and added: "When you are not playing it's not easy to take, in the sense every footballer wants to play.

"But I enjoyed every minute against Wolves and Crewe. It was nice to be involved. I'm just waiting for the next opportunity."

Sixth-placed Peterborough could increase their lead over the Saddlers to five points with victory over Colchester tonight.