Julian Gray's challenge at Walsall

Walsall manager Chris Hutchings has challenged winger Julian Gray to fulfil his potential.

The Saddlers host Wolves in their first home pre-season friendly tonight, with Gray set to make his Banks's Stadium return.

The wide man's future at the club was in doubt after stalling on a new deal, before eventually penning a 12-month contract last week.

Now Hutchings is demanding the 30-year-old perform, but reckons it's all up to the player.

He said: "It's down to him. He's a very good player and can play left-wing, left-back and wing-back. He has that in his armoury and could be a very important player, but if he doesn't perform he won't be out there.

"You expect standards to be met and if they're not then everyone will be told, simple as that.

"Julian has showed his quality. If we can get him 100 per cent fit he'll be a threat. He was playing catch-up with us last season and it took its toll.

"We're looking for him to fire on all cylinders, he's a little bit behind and we want to make sure his fitness levels are right for the rigours of the league."

Securing former Birmingham star Gray represented a significant coup for the Saddlers and Hutchings knows they can't afford big wages but believes every player has bought into his vision.

He added: "We might not be big with wages, but people have got to buy in to what we're trying to do."