Walsall to make a call on trialist James McQuilkin
The future of midfielder James McQuilkin was today on the agenda as Walsall's squad continues to take shape.
The 24-year-old has spent pre-season on trial at the Banks's Stadium and was a second-half substitute in Saturday's excellent 1-0 friendly win over Leeds United.
Saddlers boss Dean Smith confirmed he would be sitting down with McQuilkin today, after revealing he has been impressed with the former Hereford United wide man's performances.
The manager is still looking to add one or two more faces to his squad ahead of the new League One campaign, with another goalkeeper among his priorities.
Strikers Romaine Sawyers and Troy Hewitt have been signed following trials, along with goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell.
But, with a 24-strong squad, Smith now has to be ruthless and the club have ended the trials of forward duo Taylor Morgan and Jordan Ball.
Smith said: "It's a decent sized squad now already, I don't want too many more, though I certainly want another goalkeeper.
"We have obviously done well out of players who have come in on trial, though these players have to be out of contract and looking for places.
"What it does is enable you to see is their personalities and their characters and whether they are going to fit in with what you are doing.
"We have been fortunate to get in players like that. I have had to release a couple in Taylor Morgan and Jordan Ball who were certainly close to being signed.
"I will certainly give them glowing reviews if somebody phones me."
The Saddlers will take a look at yet another goalkeeper this week as they search for someone to challenge O'Donnell, who impressed by making several good saves in the win over Leeds.
Former West Brom reserve Shane Lewis and recently released Liverpool keeper Tyrell Belford have both been played in pre-season games.
And Smith also confirmed ex-Villa youth teamer Calum Barrett had trained with the club.
Smith has not ruled out offering a deal to either keeper but wants to ensure he makes the right decision.
The Walsall chief added: "We will have another lad in next week just so we can have a look at all of them really, because we were inundated with people who wanted to come on trial."
