Troy Deeney is Walsall's second top scorer this season with seven goals

Walsall striker Troy Deeney has said playing regularly alongside former England international Michael Ricketts has improved his game this season.

The 20-year-old has scored five goals in the seven matches since Chris Hutchings took over as manager.

Deeney told BBC WM: "When you have Ricko up front alongside you it makes your job a whole lot easier.

"When you give him the ball and then make a run, you know he'll find you. He's a key figure for the team."

Deeney now hopes the best scoring run of his career will continue until the end of the season, starting with Saturday's trip to Northampton.

"I'm back up front now where I feel I should be," said Deeney. "And I'm doing well.

"Everything's going well for me, I've got five in seven and I'll be trying to make it eight out of eight with a nice little hat-trick on Saturday."

Walsall are likely to be without the services of Sam Williams for the game at Sixfields, the on-loan Aston Villa striker having picked up a hip injury.

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