Young Walsall duo 'involved in first team plans' next season - Mat Sadler

The 21-year-old, who arrived in September 2024 after leaving Birmingham City, has featured in all four games in pre-season so far. 

He particularly impressed during his 62-minute showing during Walsall's 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Bescot on Wednesday night. 

And Sadler insists that the plan has always been to bring Browne into the first team fold for the upcoming campaign. 

Rico will be 'fighting for a place'

"Rico is with us. He's available for selection and fighting for a place," Sadler revealed. 

"We've got some good young defenders and he's another one to add to that. We'll maybe do a couple more [signings] as well. 

"He's been very impressive. The plan last season was for him to get more games out on loan. 

"That didn't happen but the plan this season was always to view him as someone who can contribute." 

Maher has also featured in every pre-season game, after registering three goals and three assists in 14 appearances on loan at National League side Tamworth last term. 

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international debuted aged 17 in 2022 and has played 29 times for the Saddlers in all competitions. 

Ronan is eager to 'show his worth'

Now 20-years-old, Sadler has confirmed that Maher will enter the selection of midfielders at his disposal. 

"He'll go into the selection of midfielders that we've got," he added. 

"We're learning from the two years I've been in the job. We want to rotate at different times, have good options and different horses for different courses. 

"Ronan comes into that and all of a sudden he's accumulated a lot of appearances. He's chomping at the bit to show his worth."