Andy Taylor chases Saddlers deal

Andy Taylor will continue his bid for a Walsall contract this weekend anxious to join the new-look team's commitment to attack.

The full-back made an impressive start after being thrown in at the deep end to face England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips in a star-studded QPR line-up at Loftus Road on Tuesday night.

The Saddlers went out of the Capital One Cup 3-0 but were far from shamed against such overwhelming odds as they registered another display of Smith's new brand of football.

And 26-year-old left-back Taylor is eager to win a permanent place in Smith's plans after spending the summer on trial following his release from Sheffield United at the end of last season.

"It's been a bit of a stop-start season looking for a new club," said Taylor.

"It's the first time I've gone into a close season without a contract but for so many players it seems to becoming the norm.

"I had not played since the play-off final and so it was a bit like being thrown in at the deep end. But I felt I did OK against such high- quality players, even if fatigue began to take its toll late on.

"But I have agreed to sign and hope to play some games and impress the club enough to earn a contract.

"I really feel this is a team to suit me. I am an attacking full-back – I like to bomb on and whip crosses in. I enjoy playing in a team which wants to keep the ball and that's clearly what this Walsall team wants to do."

Taylor is set for a home debut against Brentford on Saturday with fellow non-contract defender James Chambers currently undergoing treatment for a thigh strain.

Smith has been a long-time advocate of Taylor's qualities.

"He's been training with us for a couple of weeks and he's up for the challenge," said Smith. "It's an opportunity for him and he's determined to take it."