Keeping Kanu 'feels like a new signing' - Sadler

Walsall head coach Mat Sadler has said keeping loanee Daniel Kanu for the rest of the season feels like a new signing.

Kanu is the League Two side's leading scorer this campaign after joining last summer on a season-long loan from Championship club Charlton Athletic.

There had been concerns that history may repeat itself from last season when their leading scorer Nathan Lowe was recalled by his parent club, Stoke City, in January.

But last week it was confirmed that Kanu would complete the season with Walsall and he celebrated by notching his 14th goal of the season in all competitions in Saturday's 3-1 win at Tranmere.

"I agree with it feeling like a new signing because with the best will in the world when I answered questions on Daniel before, we didn't know," Sadler told BBC Radio WM.

"We are doing our best by the loan player and it's an area we have to keep utilising. And not just us. Probably 95% of clubs in this country need to utilise that loan window as well.

"But I'd be foolish to say I wasn't concerned because of how well he'd done, so to get that news, or no news if you like, that everything was staying status quo, it's a boost for everybody."

Sadler celebrated his 150th game in charge at Prenton Park on Saturday with a win which ended a run of four successive defeats in all competitions.

The victory also saw Walsall move level on points with second-placed Swindon and close the gap to leaders Bromley to six points, with a game in hand, after the top two failed to win.

"For me, I wouldn't do it if I didn't enjoy it. I think we're supposed to take enjoyment from a job which is a privilege, and I saw that as a player as well," Sadler said.

"I was very lucky to represent this club for over 100 games as a player and now I've got to represent the club for over 150 games as a manager and I don't want to stop.

"We're here to work and we're here to do something and move the football club forward in the way that we have and are."