Smith backs Grimes to end his drought

The 27-year-old is yet to break his luck for the Saddlers since joining in the summer and is currently enduring a 17-month goal drought. Grimes last scored when playing for Rochdale in April 2013 but Smith does not believe the long wait for a goal is playing on the striker's mind.

"I don't think he is that sort of lad," said Smith, when asked if Grimes was perhaps lacking a little in confidence at present. "He is a player who has had a few injuries over the past year and had one a couple of weeks ago.

"I thought he complimented the team well at Gillingham on Saturday."

Grimes has not been without chances to score for the Saddlers but has so far failed to take them.

He again came close on several occasions against Gillingham and Smith believes that, given time, the goals will come.

"The first one has hit in the first minute and the keeper has made a save," added the manager. "It was great technique and unfortunately he just could not keep it down because it was on the half volley and on the turn.

"The next one he was at full stretch and just tried to deflect it in but it went over from a couple of yards out.

"It was unfortunate for him but I thought he had a really good game on Saturday and looked bright and inventive around the box.

"I decided to go with Romaine Sawyers and Grimesy up front because the two of them are really good with their understanding and that would get some interplay, which is what I wanted."

Grimes played in a more advanced role at Gillingham but with the return of Tom Bradshaw is likely to revert to a wide position for Saturday's visit of Doncaster.

Smith will hope to see more players advance down the road to fitness this afternoon when Walsall's reserves face Port Vale.

James Chambers, Ben Purkiss, Jordan Cook and Sam Mantom are all possibilities to feature in the game at Chasetown FC's Scholars Ground.