Walsall boss Mat Sadler excited by progress of Birmingham City loanee George Hall

Hall has made two starts for the Saddlers in all competitions since making his deadline day loan switch from St Andrew's but missed a short period due to a back injury earlier in the campaign.

The midfielder, who suffered an injury-ridden campaign with the Blues last term, has since featured twice from the bench in the wins over Grimsby Town and Carlisle United respectively last month. 

The 20-year-old enjoyed another cameo from the bench in Walsall's 2-1 win over Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup first round on Saturday and Sadler has been pleased with his progress so far.

Boss Sadler said: "We're very lucky to have the eights that we have but we also know we've got someone who is very highly thought of in the game that has taken a little bit of time to get up to speed. 

"He reached his new top speed in training (last week). That might sound like a small thing but for me it's another indication of where he is at physically and psychologically with his body.

"We keep moving forward with him and he is a player that I'm looking forward to seeing how his career progresses. He's got some good players around him that are playing as well and I respect all of those players in those positions but we look forward to seeing more of him."