Jack Fitzwater: I turned down chance to stay at West Brom for Walsall

The 20-year-old enjoyed a temporary spell with the Saddlers last season and then rejoined the club in time to play in the opening day victory over Plymouth.

Fitzwater was told by Baggies boss Darren Moore he is ‘inches away’ from the the Albion first team after the pair held talks over the summer.

But with Craig Dawson, Ahmed Hegazi and Kyle Bartley all ahead of him, the 20-year-old wanted to go out on loan rather than sit on the bench.

“I have been told by the gaffer at West Brom that I am inches away from the first-team,” Fitzwater said.

“But with the likes of Dawson, Hegazi and Bartley it’s hard for me to break in.

“I want to be playing games – I had such a positive season last season that I want to continue that and kick on.

“Coming to Walsall has given me the chance to do that. It was a no-brainer to come here when I was given the green light to go out on loan.

“I want to be playing games, establishing myself and proving myself – that is what I am trying to do.”

While Walsall fans would love to see Fitzwater sign on a permanent basis, the defender is determined to break into the Albion first-team.

“When Morro (Moore) told me I am that close it makes you want it even more,” he continued.

“I thought I was capable of playing in the first-team at West Brom. But we made a joint decision to allow me to come out on loan and it was the right decision.

“I have been there since I was seven-years-old, it’s more than half my life.

“To make my debut would be brilliant but to do that I have to do well for Walsall.”

Fitzwater rejoined the Saddlers on a season-long loan deal. And he admits he’s excited for the year ahead.

“I thought our performance against Plymouth was really exciting, “he added.

“We have got a lot of pace and power. We need to keep winning at home, try and win games away and then see where that takes us.

“But there is a good feeling around the club.”