Next Spaniard out to impress Dean Smith
Dean Smith is running the rule over yet another Spanish trialist this week – as Walsall continue to wait on news of striker Jordan Cook's injury.
Cook, who signed a two-year deal with the Saddlers earlier this month, injured his ankle in Saturday's friendly defeat at Torquay. The 24-year-old had been due to undergo a scan yesterday to determine the extent of the problem.
But with his ankle still badly swollen, it has now been put back to Friday.
Whatever that reveals, it now looks likely Cook will miss the start of the new League One campaign.
Smith has decided not to pursue his interest in Spaniard Javier Lopez Iglesias, who featured in the Saddlers' opening three pre-season games.
But one man who did feature in last night's friendly with Alfreton was Borja Prieto Ruiz, a one time team-mate of Iglesias at RC Aviles.
The 27-year-old, who can play both in midfield and up front, was in the starting XI alongside fellow trialist Danny Webber.
While Smith tries to bolster the forward line, he made one signing yesterday at the other end as 19-year-old keeper Liam Roberts inked a one-year deal.
Roberts, a product of the Saddlers youth system, had been released earlier this summer.
"It was a very tough decision to release him," admitted Smith. "Since then (goalkeeping coach) Neil Cutler, (assistant manager) Richard O'Kelly and I have discussed the situation at length and decided that it was worth giving him another year."
Roberts said: "I'm buzzing. This is a great club with great people."
Off the pitch, the Saddlers have landed the FA's Respect and Fair Play Award for 2013/14. Dean Smith's side received League One's fewest yellow cards (36) and committed the fewest fouls (368).
