Walsall complete loan deal for Southampton keeper Jack Rose

The 24-year-old was on West Bromwich Albion’s books as a youngster and has gained EFL experience on loan at Accrington Stanley and Crawley Town.

“I am over the moon to be with Walsall for the season,” said Rose.

“It’s a local team for me, I am excited to be here and I am excited to be around a first team environment and I can’t wait to get going.

“I have spoken to most of the lads this morning and they seem like a great bunch.

“Everyone has been very welcoming and to come in so early into preseason, it is great for any player because you are able to get a feel of the place and nothing is awkward for you then.

“I am very excited to work under Maik Taylor, I used to watch him as a young lad when he was playing.

“I know he has got a wealth of experience and I am just looking forward to being able to pick his brain at every possible opportunity.”

Manager Darrell Clarke added: “I’m pleased to get somebody of his calibre in for a season loan and I’m looking for him to push for number one.

“It’s good to have a couple of very good goalkeepers competing for the number one jersey.

“He’s a good age now and needs to be playing competitive football. We’re pleased to have struck a deal to get him here.”

The Solihull-born keeper came through West Brom’s academy and signed his first professional contract in June 2013.

He was loaned to Accrington in November 2014 and kept a clean sheet on his professional debut in an FA Cup tie at Notts County – his first of eight starts for Stanley.

Rose had a similar spell at Crawley towards the end of the 2015/16 campaign, playing five times for the Reds.

He also made one EFL Trophy appearance for West Brom’s Under-21s, against Millwall, before signing for Southampton in August 2017.