Walsall seal Kevan Hurst signing

Walsall snapped up Kevan Hurst today as their recruitment drive stepped up a gear.

The Saddlers moved for the versatile midfielder after his release from Carlisle, following two years with the Cumbrians.

Hurst becomes Dean Smith's second signing in 24 hours following the capture of former Watford left-back Mat Sadler yesterday.

Smith said: "This is an exciting move for me. Dean Smith is an up-and-coming young manager who really sold the club to me.

"Both he and Jon Whitney have so much enthusiasm and I want to be working with people like that. I enjoy playing out wide, getting at players and creating chances.

"I feel that the size of the pitch here will suit my game and hopefully I can make a contribution both in terms of creating chances and scoring goals."

Hurst, who can play anywhere across the middle and up front, started his career at Sheffield United before a £200,000 switch to Scunthorpe in 2007.

The 25-year-old made 61 appearances for the Iron which convinced Carlisle to shell out £100,000 in 2009, where he played 50 times before being loaned out to Morecambe at the end of last season.

Hurst has even scored against the Saddlers at the Banks's Stadium in 2008, when Scunthorpe won 3-1 in the FA Cup first round.

Boss Smith added: "Kevan is a welcome addition to our squad. I've been aware of him for a long time and he has played a lot of games despite still being only 25 years of age.

"He's been transferred for decent money during his career and has plenty of promise. On top of that he's an ambitious lad who has the right attitude.

"I see his best position as being out wide on the left but he can also play in a number of other positions, so he gives us extra options.

"I am looking forward to working with him."