Comment: Walsall's recent loan record should offer hope in the wake of Nathan Lowe's recall

The success stories of David Okagbue, Freddie Draper, Emmanuel Adegboyega, Mo Faal and Tommy Simkin have demonstrated that the Saddlers have had far more hits than misses on the loan market over the past 18 months. 

Admittedly, Nathan Lowe shone brighter than any other - scoring an astonishing 18 goals and setting up seven more in 30 matches in all competitions.

The 19-year-old scored more times in 22 league appearances (15 goals) than each of Walsall's top scorers from the previous six seasons. 

His goals have been instrumental in powering Walsall to the top of League Two although the talent stretched across the squad quashes any claims that Walsall have become solely dependable on the teenager. 

Aside from his tally of 15 in the league, Walsall have found the net 33 more times, with Jamille Matt weighing in with nine and Taylor Allen scoring five from the back. 

Sadler has carefully cultivated a strong team ethic within the group and that is unlikely to be derailed by the departure of one individual regardless of how important Lowe may have been.

But clearly his exit leaves a huge void to fill and Walsall's recent track record on the loan market should fill the fan base with confidence that they can find an effective heir to Lowe's throne. 

Danny Johnson, Albert Adomah and Josh Gordon will all be eager to stake a claim but it seems inevitable that Walsall will be in the market for another centre-forward to help maintain their title charge. 

Sadler and his recruitment team will have planned for all eventualities especially with Walsall losing Johnson and Draper during the past two January transfer windows. 

Walsall have been stung for a third time but the loan market is the best place to find a striker of Lowe's calibre. It's a risk and reward business, with the reward being his instrumental impact in front of goal, and the risk being that his stellar form has ultimately led to his recall.

But Walsall are in a much stronger position than they have been during the past two winter windows for many reasons.

Not only will Walsall's 12-point lead at the League Two summit increase their options but potential signings will also view Bescot as an ideal place to develop in the wake of Lowe's success and the loanees that have gone before him.