Walsall midfielder Mark Bradley has begged for a chance to prove he can fill the void left by departed skipper Stephen Hughes.

Former Arsenal and Everton player Hughes has been released, leaving a place up for grabs in the heart of the Saddlers’ midfield.

Walsall boss Chris Hutchings has so far been unsuccessful in his attempts to bring fresh blood to the Banks’s Stadium, but midfielder Bradley believes he could be the answer to his midfield conundrum.

With just a year left on his current deal, Wales under-21 star Bradley knows the onus is on him to impress after an indifferent 2008/09 campaign.

He said: “It could be better for me, because there are less central midfielders.

“Stephen was the captain which made him one name on the teamsheet, so when he was fit he played.

“If I can have a good pre-season and show the gaffer what I can do, then hopefully I’ll get my chance.

“It’s crucial I get off to a good start and try to cement my place. I’m desperate to have a good season. I’m hoping to push on like I did two years ago.”

“I’m not one for goals, we just want to get off to a good start. Then we can push on towards the play-offs.

“It’s going to be a very tough league next year.”