Saddlers check out goalkeeper

Jimmy Mullen’s European connections have come to fruition with the Walsall boss handing a trial to Austrian goalkeeper Albin Kajtezovic.

The 22-year-old, who is available on a free transfer, played in the reserves’ 3-1 win over Mansfield Town after he was recommended to Mullen by a European scout.

With current No 1 Clayton Ince out of contract at the end of the season and only Rene Gilmartin as back-up, Mullen felt the need to give Kajtezovic a chance.

He said: “As a manager or a coach you can’t sit still, that is why I am at games most nights.

“You have to keep tabs on everything out there. Just in case you have a problem with injury, suspension or loss of form. It is a case of having your finger on the pulse and this is a classic example.

“We have got many contacts all over Europe and he came well recommended by someone from Austria.”

Kajtezovic, an Austria U21 international, is looking for a club after leaving Austrian division two side Parndorf in the summer and is training with Saddlers this week.

He said: “It was a case of getting in quickly so we could have a look at him and he will train with us for the rest of the week. We will assess it from there.”

Trialist Kevin O’Connor’s injury jinx struck again after he was forced to miss the reserves’ win, after picking up a knee injury in training.

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