Dean Smith: It's Florent time

Walsall boss Dean Smith today insisted he is ready to unleash "unknown" Florent Cuvelier to stun Notts County.

The Saddlers chief reckons the midfielder has the shock value after capturing the Belgian starlet on loan from Stoke.

Cuvelier who is yet to play a senior game since moving to England with Portsmouth in 2008, is in line for an immediate debut against County tonight.

And Smith is ready to let the 19-year-old surprise package, who signed on Friday, off the leash against the Magpies.

"Unless Notts County have had tabs on him themselves he could be a little unknown player to go out there," he said.

"He's ready, he can play and we can tell already he just wants to play football. He enjoys it, he's got an energy about him and a great intelligence about how to play.

"I wanted to bring more quality into the squad and he's certainly done that. He's a very good player, he has good technical ability and in training he's shown a brightness and awareness which will be beneficial for us.

"The spark wasn't missing (in the midfield) but if there's a chance to bring quality in then you do so. Florent is that player who I feel can improve us.

"I was well aware of him when they signed him from Portsmouth and he had a good reputation. I'm glad that Stoke and Tony (Pulis, boss) have allowed him to come.

"They've signed some experience so it works both ways, Florent is getting experience and we're getting a quality player."

The transfer window closes at 11pm tonight – with the loan window re-opening in seven days – and Smith insisted he is still hopeful of adding to his squad before the deadline.

He said: "We've still got a few plates spinning in terms of players and hopefully something will happen, if not next Tuesday.

"We've had some positive discussions with clubs so hopefully something will happen. We're looking at a mixture, one or two players who have a bit of experience but aren't getting regular football at the minute – not in the Alan Smith category though, we couldn't quite get to the £60,000-a-week mark.

"There are a couple of youngsters who have impressed too."