Saddlers complete signing of Andy Taylor

Walsall this afternoon completed the signing of defender Andy Taylor on a non-contract basis.

The 26 year-old former England Under-20 star began his career with home-town club Blackburn, where he came through the ranks.

During his time at Ewood Park he had loan spells at QPR, Blackpool, Crewe, Huddersfield and Tranmere, who went to sign him on a permanent basis.

His displays for Rovers prompted a switch to Sheffield United in summer 2009 for an undisclosed fee and having established himself in The Championship, injury halted his progress.

He was released by The Blades during the summer after almost 40 games.

He will be part of the Saddlers' squad that travels to QPR in the Capital One Cup tonight (7.45pm).

Walsall manager Dean Smith today refused to rule out a shock at Loftus Road against the Premier League big-spenders.

"We are not going there to make the numbers up," he said. "It's not impossibile for us to pull off a shock.

"It will be a test, we know that with the calibre of their players. But it's an opportunity to go and pit our wits against a top-flight team."