Walsall sign David Martin on loan

Walsall could field loan signing David Martin in their League One clash at home to Oldham after picking up the Derby County winger on a month's loan.

The 26-year-old goes straight into the squad for tonight's game and will wear the number 24 during his stay with the Saddlers.

The wide man has been brought in with Claude Gnakpa set to miss the Oldham game with a hamstring injury and could be pitched in for his debut.

Martin started out at non-league Dartford before a jump into the Championship with Crystal Palace, in a £25,000 move at the start of 2007.

But it was at Millwall where the left-sided flanker has played the bulk of his professional football, making 78 appearances with nine goals over two years after a £50,000 move in 2008.

Derby County manager Nigel Clough then made his move in January of last year, after Martin played against them for the Lions in an FA Cup tie.

It took until February to complete the move, which became a permanent move when his contract at the New Den expired in the summer.

But just two starts for the Rams saw Martin farmed out on loan to Notts County last season and, after the Saddlers made their move today, Martin is heading back to League One.

Walsall manager Dean Smith said: "This is a great acquisition for us. He's a player that I have been aware of since his Millwall days. He gets plenty of crosses in, scores his fair share of goals and also possesses good pace.

"He played against us last season whilst on loan at Notts County and also last week for Derby reserves, so I know what he can do and with Claude Gnakpa out injured, he'll give us another option out wide.

"I'm looking forward to working with him here."