concentrate on helping promotion hopefuls Walsall return to their winning ways in the next two matches against Bristol clubs, Rovers and City, today and on Tuesday.

The leading Walsall scorer admits nothing much has happened this week since the story hit the headlines that Coventry City of the Premier League were interested in signing him. Walsall recently turned down Coventry's offer of 400,000 and the player has rejected the offer of a new contract, the latest for a three-year deal.

"It was the same offer, they just added another year to it which means more security,'' said Lightbourne.

"I feel Walsall have leaked the story to try to get a few clubs interested.

They know deadline day (March 20) is coming very soon.

"I've told the reporters out here that I'm not interested in following on the story. As far as I know Coventry City are not looking to sign me after Walsall turned them down and they are looking elsewhere.'' Lightbourne's 15 goals this season have taken Walsall towards a promotion play-off spot. Only will the right offer tempt the club to part with one of their most valuable players, especially when they are still in the hunt for promotion.

"As more clubs get involved, then obviously Walsall are going to want to let me go to the club that pays the most money,'' said Lightbourne.

"That's what Coventry won't want to get involved with. They showed interest first so they feel they should have the best chance.

"I'm sure Coventry are disappointed that it has come out in the open. This is business that they try to keep very private because if someone else is interested then it pushes the price up a bit.'' Lightbourne knows it's important not to be distracted by transfer talk as he sets his sights on a 25-goal season.

"It makes me want to try even harder because I know it's (transfer) right there just waiting to happen,'' he added.

"This is a very crucial time for me at this stage of my career. I just need to have a good run in to the end of the season. Things change from day to day.'' Lightbourne, who enjoys a good relationship with the Walsall supporters who call him `Killer', will guage their response today when a group travel down to Bristol for the match against struggling Rovers.

"This is a crucial time for us because we've got eight games coming up this month,'' said Lightbourne. "By the end of the month we will know if we are going to challenge for a play-off spot.

"They (fans) would be disappointed if I was to leave at this stage of the season but I have to look out for my future and take care of my family. Most of the loyal supporters at Walsall would understand the situation.

"I've done things for other people in the past and now it's time to start taking care of myself.''