Andy Butler: Walsall seek loan extension for Sheff Utd defender

Butler has also played for Scunthorpe and Huddersfield, and had loan spells at Grimsby and Blackpool

Walsall hope to extend centre-half Andy Butler's loan spell from Sheffield United following his first month back at the Banks's Stadium.

He left Walsall to join the Blades in the summer, as he was affected by the daily commuting to the West Midlands from his South Yorkshire home.

But the 30-year-old was allowed to return on loan to remain match fit.

"We're just waiting on a response from Sheffield United now," said Walsall boss Dean Smith.

"It has been great to have him back here. We've asked to keep him for a second month, to help us out, but we're in their hands."

Butler was missing his regular defensive partner Paul Downing, who was sidelined with sickness, when Walsall lost 1-0 at home to Crewe on Saturday.

It was their second straight defeat in league One and saw them slump back into the bottom four.

The game was the last of seven Butler has played in his initial month-long loan,

Boss Smith hopes Downing, previously an ever present this season, will be fit and that Butler is allowed to play when the Saddlers play their next match at John Gregory's Crawley on Tuesday.