Hughes gets Saddlers' armband

Mark Hughes has been named at Walsall's new captain after his leadership skills impressed boss Chris Hutchings.

The 22-year-old has been picked to skipper the team for the new League One season – with Rhys Weston named as club captain.

Hutchings initially said he would rotate the armband in the summer to find his new leader but ex-Everton trainee Hughes has led the side out in all three of their friendlies so far.

And the defender, who captained Northampton last season, has now been given the job on a full-time basis.

"Hughesy will be my captain and we'll have Rhys as club captain but if he gets injured we'll be looking elsewhere," said Hutchings.

"He's a winner, a good competitor and being captain of his previous team shows that. We spoke to a few people at Everton and elsewhere and we've always had good reports.

"It's a new challenge for him, he's been at Northampton for a couple of years they didn't do so well last year but the previous year they finished seventh or eighth."

Hughes only joined the Saddlers on a free transfer from the relegated Cobblers this month but has impressed as a ready-made replacement for Anthony Gerrard, who moved to Cardiff for £200,000.

Hutchings added: "He's done the job and he's a little like Gerrard, he can play with his left foot and right foot, he can ping it, has composure and is another who wants to learn.

"If we want to pass it we've got to get people who have that ability and confidence and if they make mistakes they've got to have that ability to look for it again and I think that's what we're getting."

Meanwhile, striker Will Grigg will hope to feature for Northern Ireland against Germany tonight as the U19s open their Milk Cup campaign at the Riada Stadium, Ballymoney (7pm).