Nicky Featherstone looks forward with Walsall

Featherstone has penned a new 18-month deal to replace his existing deal, which was up in the summer, as the club chase a shock play-off place.

They go to promotion rivals Swindon – who sit third – on Saturday before hosting sixth place Tranmere, who are just five points ahead, on Tuesday.

The Saddlers are eighth after 10 wins from 14 games and, ahead of the crucial double-header, Featherstone insisted Walsall can take control of their destiny.

He said: "There are lots of opportunities for us to take points off the teams around us – it's in our own hands and we're looking forward to the challenge.

"We have a really good mix of youth and experience with everyone enjoying playing for the manager.

"There has always been belief here and a tremendous team spirit and that has really shone through in our recent form."

Featherstone joins Malvind Benning, James Baxendale, Andy Taylor and Paul Downing in signing an extension this year. The Saddlers are still in talks with 16-goal top scorer Will Grigg.

Ex-Hereford man Featherstone has made 31 appearances since a free transfer last summer but has been sidelined by the form of Sam Mantom and Adam Chambers this year.

But he vowed to regain his place and help the Saddlers' charge to the play-offs with 10 games left.

"I'm delighted everything is sorted," said the 24-year-old, who started his career at Hull. "It's important to keep the nucleus of this team together.

"We have some good, young lads here and we're all progressing together. It's great to be part of it. The lads have been on a brilliant run."

Meanwhile, Walsall striker Connor Taylor suffered a double fracture of his arm while in action for loan club Nuneaton against Luton in the Blue Square Premier last night.

The 20-year-old former Villa trainee was taken off on a stretcher in the third minute of the game and will undergo surgery today, after he received oxygen on the pitch.

Another young Walsall forward, Aaron Williams, will also be furthering his first-team experience in non-league football as he is set to join AFC Telford on a month's loan.

West Bromwich-born Williams has come through the ranks at the Banks's Stadium, scoring 22 goals for Walsall's youth-team last season.

The 19-year-old has previously been on loan at Redditch and more recently Romulus, after graduating to boss Dean Smith's first-team squad this term.

He made his debut against Oldham last August, one of eight appearances he has made off the bench for the Saddlers.