SMITH HOPES FOR BUTLER LOAN EXTENSION

Walsall manager Dean Smith has spoken to the press ahead of this weekend's Sky Bet League One clash with Crewe Alexandra, and has discussed the current situation of loaned-in defender Andy Butler, and of his hopes of extending his spell back at the club.

Walsall manager Dean Smith has spoken to the press ahead of this weekend's Sky Bet League One clash with Crewe Alexandra, and has discussed the current situation of loaned-in defender Andy Butler, and of his hopes of extending his spell back at the club.

Speaking to BBC WM, Smith said; "I'm speaking to Andy, and Sheffield United, to see where we go - in terms of extending it, obviously, I'd like to, but everything has to be right for that to happen. So I'll need to speak to Andy, and the powers-that-be at Sheffield United, and that'll probably be sorted, one way or another after Crewe.

"His loan is up on Saturday, so if we want to extend it, it'll have to be done on Saturday for him to be available for the Crawley game (Tuesday).

"I'm sure Andy would like to stay, his chances are limited at Sheffield United, or that's how it seems, speaking from the outside. But he's come here, and he's done a good job, we've had some really good results at home with Andy in the team."

Smith also admitted that his decision must include the fact that Andy will miss both the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Area Quarter Final against Sheffield United, and the FA Cup First Round which both take place in November.