Dean Smith: 'Tom Bradshaw will continue to improve at Walsall'

Walsall boss Dean Smith has backed striker Tom Bradshaw to better last season's League One goal tally.

The 23-year-old found the net 17 times in all last term after joining from Shrewsbury Town.

Walsall are thought to have turned down a bid from rivals Swindon Town for the prolific forward, and Smith now expects Bradshaw to push on from last season following his hat-trick against Nottingham Forest this week.

"I believe Tom will go and surpass his record from last season because I think he is a much better player than last season, which says a lot," he is quoted as saying by the Express & Star.

"His hold up play is better, he makes more intelligent runs now. I think his understanding of the game is getting better and tactically, he is a clever kid. He has a full season under his belt and is a lot more mature now."

Walsall kicked off their league campaign with a 1-1 draw against Oldham Athletic last weekend.