Walsall could still sign Bryan Hughes

Walsall manager Chris Hutchings is still keen to take a closer look at trialist Bryan Hughes once he shrugs off a hamstring injury.

The former Birmingham midfielder joined the Saddlers this month but has only trained twice because of the strain.

But the 34-year-old is near to a recovery and could rejoin the players for training after Saturday's League One game at Hartlepool.

Hutchings said: "Hughes is still with us, he's been working on his rehab with physio Jon Whitney and hopefully next week he will be joining in.

"We want to make sure he gets fit and then we can have a good look."

A young Walsall side lost a behind-closed-doors friendly at Stoke 4-1, who fielded former Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen, yesterday.