Gerrard has been linked to a step-up to the Championship this summer

Walsall boss Chris Hutchings is pleased with the commitment of defender Anthony Gerrard following his unexpectedly swift return from a calf injury.

Gerrard, 22, played in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Cheltenham only 11 days after limping off at home to Brighton.

"He recovers very quickly and he's got a great mental attitude of wanting to be fit," Hutchings told BBC WM.

"He trained on Thursday with us with no ill effects on the Friday, so I decided to throw him in."

Gerrard, the cousin of Liverpool and England star Steven, has been on the transfer list for much of the season. But he has continued to give his all for the Saddlers, occasionally wearing the captain's armband.

Hopefully next week we'll have Clayton Ince and Mark Bradley back, and Michael Ricketts is available Walsall boss Chris Hutchings

And, given a lengthy list of absentees through injury, international duty and suspension, Hutchings was grateful to have the central defender fit and available.

"That was a big plus for us," said the Walsall boss. "Hopefully next week we'll have Clayton Ince and Mark Bradley back.

"And Michael Ricketts is available now, which makes the squad a bit stronger for us."

The point against Cheltenham effectively secured the Saddlers' place in League One for next season. And they can maintain their push for a top-half finish when they visit promotion-chasing Millwall on Saturday.

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