Forward options please Hutchings

Ibehre came off the bench to seal the win at Northampton

Walsall manager Chris Hutchings thinks the competition for places in attack at the Banks's Stadium has played a part in the club's upturn in form.

Michael Ricketts and Troy Deeney started in the 2-0 win at Northampton but neither are guaranteed a place.

"In recent weeks we had Sam Williams as well and Jabo Ibehre's done exceptionally well for me," Hutchings told BBC WM.

"I was delighted for him [scoring], he's working hard and got his rewards."

Ibehre, 26, sealed the win at Sixfields after coming off the bench, while Williams, 21, is currently at his parent club Aston Villa for treatment on a hip injury.

I thought he [Manny Smith] adapted very well - I'm delighted for the lad

Walsall boss Chris Hutchings on Manny Smith

Hutchings is pleased with the recent contributions of former England striker Ricketts, who has turned goal creator twice in the last two games.

But he is also determined to get more out of the 30-year old.

"He's a quality player but it's about the team ethic and the work ethic we have at the football club," said the Saddlers boss.

"Michael's got to contribute to that as well as everybody else."

One player who has earned plaudits from his manager is Walsall's young centre-back Manny Smith.

He returned to the starting eleven at Northampton, in the absence of the injured Rhys Weston, and proved a key performer as the visitors kept a clean sheet.

"He did very well," former Wigan boss Hutchings said. "I was very pleased with his performance last week when he came on for Rhys.

"I thought he adapted very well and won his headers and won his tackles and did everything we asked from him. I'm delighted for the lad."

Walsall retained some interest in a late play-off push with the win at Sixfields, they are nine points adrift of the top six with 14 games to play.