Scott Laird: I'd love to stay at Walsall

The defender, who initially joined the Saddlers on loan from Scunthorpe in August, has become a firm fans' favourite in his time at the Banks's Stadium.

Laird has impressed in 30 appearances for Jon Whitney's side – both at full-back and more recently in central defence.

And the 28-year-old admits he couldn't be happier at the club.

"I'm loving it here and I don't want the season to end," the defender said.

"Hopefully I can be here next season but there are a few things that have got to be sorted out.

"We have got to wait until the end of the season to see what happens with Scunthorpe. They are in a bit of turmoil at the moment, so hopefully they will come through that.

"I have got another year but I don't think my future is there. I will have a discussion with the manager when I go back as well as the powers that be, including the chairman.

"But I've loved every minute here. I want to sit down with Walsall and discuss the future once I have talked to Scunthorpe."

Walsall have slipped to back-to-back defeats in their last two outings with both Fleetwood and Southend toppling Whitney's men.

Those results now mean it's unlikely the Saddlers will finish in the top six.

And Laird admits that has hurt the group.

"I love coming in every day and seeing the lads and that is why it has hurt all of us," he continued.

"You see players come in on loan and they don't really care, they just want to get their game time.

"But everyone here – whether they are on loan or here permanently – you can see how our recent results have hurt them.

"It really was horrible after Southend.

"The gaffer didn't say too much to us afterwards because we knew as players and professionals we'd let ourselves down."

Meanwhile, Whitney has denied rumours linking him with a summer move for Crewe defender Jon Guthrie.

"I've looked at players but he's not on my radar," the boss added. "I'm not sure where that link has come from."