Saddlers boss keen to play his wildcard Emmanuel Ledesma

Walsall boss Dean Smith hopes 'wildcard' Argentinian signing Emmanuel Ledesma can provide the flair to steer the Saddlers to League One safety.

The 22-year-old former Genoa midfielder was unable to gain international clearance in time to feature on Saturday as an uninspired Walsall side fought out a dour goalless draw with Rochdale.

But Smith hopes he will be available for tomorrow night's clash with Southampton and backed the South American star — who shone during a year-long loan at QPR two seasons ago — to make an impact.

He said: "His international clearance did not come through for Saturday, not for the want of trying, but I think the Italian FA might have weekends off! We're hoping he will be available for Southampton.

"He's an attacking midfielder, he can play off the front man, he can play left and he can play right.

"In training he's looked fantastic and has been banging in goals for fun so hopefully he will be a bit of a wildcard for us."

I don't think we've got anything a bit different that we can throw on at the moment and I think he can be that."

Smith hopes to welcome back Jon Macken, who missed the draw against Rochdale with a back spasm, and can also call on Darren Byfield who came off the bench on Saturday after more than five months out with a knee injury.

He admitted the stalemate with Rochdale was a disappointment but was delighted with a second consecutive home clean sheet.

Smith added: "Rochdale weren't on form but neither were we. Is it a chance lost? I'll tell you at the end of the season. But we got a clean sheet which we have to be happy about because we haven't had many this season.

"It concerned me that we didn't create chances against Rochdale but before that we have been creating chances.

"We did not give the fans anything to cheer about but I'm sure it will be a different atmosphere on Tuesday. Southampton should bring a few fans, I'm sure there will be a good atmosphere generated here and hopefully my lads will respond to it."