Walsall's Florent Cuvelier said no to Middlesbrough

Florent Cuvelier today revealed he snubbed interest from Middlesbrough to complete his Walsall return.

The midfielder re-joined the Saddlers on loan from Stoke last week and admitted he could have joined Championship Boro.

Tony Mowbray was interested in signing Cuvelier before he committed his future to Stoke, penning a two-year deal in May.

And the former Albion boss wanted to take him on loan before Cuvelier opted to link up with the Saddlers again until January.

He said: "I had possibility to go into the Championship but I thought I was at Walsall before, I know the manager, I know where the training ground is and I know most of the players.

"The other clubs were not local – Middlesbrough was one of them – so I decided to come here. I played 18 games last season so maybe I'm more certain to play every week rather than in the Championship.

"The most important thing for me now is to play every week and as the manager at Stoke (Tony Pulis) said I need to play and get more experience."

Cuvelier scored four goals in 18 appearances for the Saddlers last term, including the goal which clinched League One survival in the 1-1 draw with Huddersfield in April.

He is likely to feature in tomorrow's friendly at Telford and boss Dean Smith could also hand a chance to several trialists.

Former Hull defender Joe Lamplough, ex-Birmingham midfielder Ashley Sammons and ex-Hereford ace Nicky Featherstone are all with the Saddlers.

And Cuvelier believes, with the squad Smith is forming, Walsall can avoid another struggle next term.

"It's a new year and a new team with new players," said the 19-year-old.

"I don't know what the league will be like but I know I want to win every game. That's the mentality to have and it's going to be difficult – we know it's going to be difficult. We want to win every game, it might not happen, but I'm sure we're going to do really well.

"As long as we work together we'll be OK. Last year was very difficult but we did it so as long as you work as a team and listen to what the manager says then anything is possible."