Hemmings: Saddlers can shock rivals

Walsall new-boy Ashley Hemmings today geared up for his League debut by insisting that the Saddlers are in the mood to shock their bigger-spending rivals.

Dean Smith's side kick off their League One campaign at relegated Doncaster on Saturday with Hemmings looking to build on his debut goal against Brentford in the Capital One Cup.

And the former Wolves trainee is relishing the chance to help his new club defy pundits who are predicting a difficult season.

"I can't wait for the League season to start," said the 21-year-old. "With the team and the manager that we've got, we are confident we can do really well.

"During the season I think we're going to surprise a few people and a few teams. One of our targets is to do better than the club did last year.

"I just want to get out there, do my best and see where it takes us and I'm looking forward to learning from the older players.

"I'm learning a lot. Every day I come in I learn something new from how they speak to me and give me advice. I keep all that in my head.

"Some days at Wolves I trained with the first team, but coming here I'm training with older players and learning every time."

Hemmings also revealed how advice from Molineux midfielder David Davis, who spent time on loan with the Saddlers in 2010, convinced him to sign a new-year deal at the Banks's Stadium.

"David Davis came here and he said great things about the club," said Hemmings, who operated on the left of a front three against the Bees.

"That really attracted me to the club."