Rory Holden 'days away' from Walsall return

The Saddlers have been unlucky with injuries to key men this season, with both Josh Gordon and James Clarke missing two months each earlier in the campaign and Dan Scarr currently out for the foreseeable future.

Attacking midfielder Holden has been a creative catalyst in the Walsall side since joining from Bristol City but he has not played since mid-December.

The 23-year-old damaged his lateral collateral ligament in his left knee and after initially fearing his season was over scans found he had only sprained it.

Walsall were hoping to have Holden back by the end of February but with rehab taking longer than expected he is still yet to return.

Now, manager Brian Dutton has revealed the midfielder could play a part in one of the next three games, including tomorrow's trip to Bolton.

“He’s closer, every day he’s closer,” Dutton said.

“The medical team are working very hard with him and he’s at the stage now where it’s almost days and not weeks with him.

“If he pops up in one of the next three games it won’t be a surprise to anyone.

“Lets keep our fingers crossed and hope he can get through the final stages of his recovery. He has that confidence to come in and make an impact but it will be very difficult for him.

“We can’t pile too much pressure on Rory Holden, he’s a young lad who is still developing and after you’ve had a serious injury it takes time to come in and effect things. He’s also coming into a group that’s struggling for form so that’s not going to be easy for him as well. But he is a top, top player and a top, top boy so we look forward to having him back.”

Academy midfielder Joe Willis has been missing since October after breaking a metatarsal bone in his foot in a reserve game.

Now, the youngster is nearing a return as he steps up his training involvement.

“Poor old Joe, he’s been in that treatment room all season,” Dutton added.

“He’s had complications, as a lot of the boys have who have been in the medical room.

“They’ve not had a smooth transition between being injured and coming back on the football pitch so they’ve been very unfortunate and Joe is another one that has had that issue.

“Joe Willis’ work-rate and work-ethic is absolutely first class. He has an elite mentality and he will come back fitter and stronger than he left us.

“He’s now back almost in full training and he’s chomping at the bit. But it’s going to take a lot of time for him to find his rhythm and find his speed.

“We won’t rush him but we’re really glad to have him back.”

As he sits on the sidelines Willis has had to watch fellow academy graduate Sam Perry make League Two starts under Dutton.

Now, the manager believes Perry’s success – as well as that of Alfie Bates – is a motivator for other young talents.

He said: “It’s a fantastic carrot for these young boys, if you’re good enough you’re old enough in my eyes.

“It’s important that these young lads have a player of similar ilk to them getting opportunities because then they have the confidence that if they do put in the effort the opportunities will come for them.

“I’m sure they’re envious of Sam Perry and Alfie Bates but what a carrot for these young lads to prove themselves as first team footballers.”

Meanwhile, young midfielder Alfie Bates insists the players are backing under pressure Dutton.

“We’re fully behind the gaffer,” he said.

“He’s come in and changed things around and is trying to introduce his style of play. We’re all trying to buy into that. At the minute it’s not working but we have the players to eventually make it work.”