Mantom poised for Wasall return

Boss Dean Smith revealed Sam Mantom is ready to end his injury nightmare as he prepares for a Walsall return.

The midfielder has been out since November with a persistent knee injury and has made just four appearances this season. He was an unused substitute in the 3-0 defeat at Barnsley last week but could replace Adam Chambers, who is struggling with an ankle injury, against MK Dons on Saturday. "He is back in contention," said Smith, after Mantom played an hour in the reserves' 2-0 defeat to Morecambe in midweek. "I think he would be ready to start, I don't see any reason why not. He has put himself in contention by playing the reserve game. The work he has done over the last two months with Jon Whitney (physio) is incredible. He has helped Jon with his fitness as well. "Whits pushes them and if Adam didn't make it then Sam would certainly be in contention." Chambers is rated 50-50 for the game against the Dons and Smith admitted they must take care of the 34-year-old midfielder. He added: "The lads laugh but we wrap him in cotton wool all week when he hasn't got a high ankle sprain. He's a real high loader so he gets palmed off into the gym when the other lads are still out there working. "You have to look after people individually."