Josh Wakefield joins Walsall for a trial

Walsall boss Sean O'Driscoll will run the rule over Bournemouth midfielder Josh Wakefield after handing him a two-day trial.

The 22-year-old playmaker, who is out of contract with the Cherries at the end of the season, has previously enjoyed loan spells at Torquay United and Yeovil.

O'Driscoll confirmed to the Express & Star that Wakefield will train with the Saddlers today and tomorrow, as he bids to find himself a new club.

Wakefield has been at Bournemouth since the age of 12, signing for the club while O'Driscoll was in charge at Dean Court. He has appeared three times for the Cherries' first-team.

Meanwhile, O'Driscoll has told his entire Walsall squad that they need to saddle up for the club's promotion push.

With 20 games left to play in League One, the Saddlers sit second in the table – just two points behind leaders Burton Albion.

The club also have a 12-point cushion over seventh-placed Sheffield United, who sit one place out of the play-off zone.

That success has been achieved despite the club operating on one of the smallest budgets in the division.

And O'Driscoll believes every player needs to be on red alert if they are to reach the Championship.

He said: "I don't think we have got a best starting line-up, I think we have got a best 18. That means various people coming to the fore at various times.

"Everyone in the squad has a part to play. Neil Etheridge (goalkeeper) has been brilliant in the last five games. Tom Bradshaw (striker) has come back from injury and scored two goals.

"Anthony Forde has come into the side and done extremely well. There are lots of people who can play a part.

"Sometimes it's not the ones that catch the headlines – James O'Connor (defender) is consistent every week. And Liam Kinsella (midfielder has come in and played excellently.

"There are lots of positives around the squad. We just have to make sure everyone feels like they can contribute."