Reece Flanagan looking ahead with Walsall

The 20-year-old midfielder featured 18 times for the Saddlers throughout the 2014-15 campaign, after working his way through the club's youth ranks.

Flanagan was amongst a group of players who yesterday reported for a "summer maintenance" training session, as a the club's coaches look to monitor fitness levels during the break.

But Flanagan was delighted to be back at the training ground as he looks to give himself every chance of success next season.

He said: "The experience of breaking into the team last season has whetted my appetite and given me confidence.

"I know what to expect and the kind of level I need to be at. It's going to be a big season for me, but I am looking forward to it. The key is to have a good pre-season.

"It's important to start putting the work in now. I want to show in training and matches that I'm worthy of a starting place."

All Walsall's players have been given individual training programs to follow over the summer, with each one attending a session at some point in June.

He said: "It's good to keep ticking over and I know the work we do now will help us be ready for the start of pre-season training.

"The maintenance programme helps our general fitness levels and I have also been making regular visits to the gym."

Meanwhile, it is understood Swindon striker Miles Storey is to be offered to Walsall by his agent.

The 21-year-old, who was born is West Bromwich, has one year left on his contract at the County Ground but is expected to leave on a free transfer this summer.

Storey, a former England under-19 international, scored four goals in 30 appearances for the Robins.