Walsall could become Chelsea’s unofficial nursery club – former Saddlers star and Blues coach Adrian Viveash has revealed.

The former player is now assistant reserve team boss at Stamford Bridge after being promoted from the youth system.

Viveash admits he has touted some of his stars to Walsall, as Chelsea look to give them first-team experience.

The ex-defender, who made 240 appearances for the Saddlers, just wants to help his former club.

He said: “I think there is a possibly of creating a link. We have got players on loan at League One clubs at the moment and it’s always a possibility, it just depends what people need.

“I keep in touch with Martin O’Connor and gave him the heads up about a couple of players in the summer who we were looking to loan out. They have gone to other places but I keep them in the loop and hopefully help them out if I can.”

Viveash reckons the Saddlers have a reputation of looking after top flight youngsters.

He added: “For us, the players have to go to the right environment. Walsall have a good reputation of trying to play the right way.”