Walsall loan star Florent Cuverlier says thanks

Florent Cuvelier today hailed boss Dean Smith and insisted the Walsall chief gave him a platform to the Premier League.

The Stoke midfielder scored the goal which clinched survival for the Saddlers before returning to the Britannia Stadium after his loan ended this month.

And he paid a final tribute to Smith, who handed him his professional debut, after the Saddlers finished 19th in League One. "I will never be able to say 'thank you' enough to him because he is the one that gave me the chance to play League football," said Cuvelier.

"My dream is to play in the Premier League and I want to play well to make sure one day I have the chance."

See also:

• Walsall keeper Walker eyes coaching career – but not just yet

• Emmanuel Ledesma ponders new Saddlers deal

• Jon Macken: No hard feelings after axe