Saddlers manager Jon Whitney has spoken to the local press ahead of this weekend's Emirates FA Cup First Round clash with Macclesfield Town, and has offered an update on the status of midfielder Reece Flanagan, who is yet to play this season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in April.
Speaking via the Express & Star, Jon said; "He is on target to return around Christmas time or in January. His work ethic has been exceptional. And I will be looking to do something with Reece in terms of his contract because he has ticked all the boxes in terms of attitude.
"From the moment he picked up the injury he was determined to come back stronger. When I was injured a lot managers didn’t use to speak to you. But I talk to the medical staff about Reece every day. It’s important you don’t become alienated. But he hasn’t got that here. He is an important member of the group."
The gaffer also went on to discuss what he and his team are doing to try and prevent a similar type of injury occurring in the future, he said; "We are doing a lot of work to strengthen his knee to make sure we limit the chances of the injury reoccurring. Now he is starting to do his running. Late November he will be doing ball work and from there we will build him up. We won’t rush him, but it would be great if he could play a part this season."