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Josh Wakefield wants to stay with Walsall

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New signing Josh Wakefield is determined to win a permanent contract with Walsall.

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The versatile midfielder joined the Saddlers on loan last week from Premier League outfit Bournemouth – where he's out of contract at the end of the season.

It's a deal that all parties are viewing as an extended trial, with the 22-year-old hoping to impress boss Sean O'Driscoll enough to join on a permanent basis in the summer.

And Wakefield, who has been with the Cherries since the age of 12, admits the time has come for him to leave his home-town club and forge a career for himself in the professional game.

He said: "I have been at Bournemouth since I was 12 and I have seen the club go from struggling to get people through the gates to not being able to get a ticket myself.

"When Bournemouth were in League One, I played a couple of games for them. But since then the club has gone through the roof and I haven't been around the first team for about three years.

"It's time for me to move on and start progressing my career. I can no longer sit around and wait for an opportunity, I have to make an opportunity for myself.

"I'm extremely excited to be at Walsall and everything that is going on here. The team is flying high and, hopefully, I'll impress enough to earn something more long-term."

Wakefield has played in various positions throughout his career, but believes his best position is central midfield.

He said: "I would say I am an attacking midfielder, although goals is something I need to add. I like to think of myself as forward thinking and creative.

"When I have played for the under-21s, I have been used in various positions. I've filled in at right-back and played on the wing and behind the striker.

"But I would say my best position is central midfield and that is where I see myself developing."

Despite signing last week, Wakefield has been training with the Saddlers for the past three weeks. and revealed his new team-mates have done everything they can to help him settle.

He added: "They are a great bunch of lads here. Everyone has made the time to talk to me and make me feel welcome. I couldn't have asked for anything more."