Mat Sadler explains Ronan Maher's Walsall situation after return from Tamworth

Maher has not featured in a match day squad since returning from his fruitful loan spell at Tamworth.

The 20-year-old, who made his Republic of Ireland under-21 debut last month, scored three goals and set-up three more in 14 appearances for the Lambs. 

Sadler ideally wanted the Walsall academy graduate to remain with Tamworth until the end of the season but revealed that the midfielder is in his thoughts ahead of the final two games.

"Ideally we wanted Ronan to continue and finish the season there. But there was some EFL rule that I don't particularly understand myself," Sadler added.

"So I'm not going to comment on that but he couldn't do that for whatever reason. Now he comes into the squad, which is a very competitive squad."

Manchester United loanee Ethan Wheatley is not expected to be involved when Walsall host Accrington Stanley at Bescot on Saturday.

The 19-year-old was not part of the group which was put through their paces in front of the supporters in the open training session on Thursday. 

Sadler revealed that Wheatley has been training with his parent club ahead of United's Premier League 2 fixture against Everton under-21s on Friday night.

"Ethan was not out there [in the open training session]," Walsall boss Mat Sadler confirmed.

"He is with Manchester United for their game with the under-21s tomorrow."

Wheatley has made just four appearances for Walsall since arriving on loan from Old Trafford during the January transfer window. 

The young striker made his Walsall debut from the bench in a 3-0 defeat at Bradford City, before making his only two starts against Fleetwood Town and Salford respectively. 

His last appearance came as a late substitute during the Saddlers' 3-2 defeat against local rivals Port Vale at Bescot earlier this month.