Darrell Clarke’s loans look to the future for Walsall

Walsall began the window by signing Tyreik Wright until the end of the season from Aston Villa, before taking two more loans in Jayden Reid and Frank Vincent from Birmingham and Bournemouth.

Although Clarke is wary that loans can be 'hit and miss', he targets players that could potentially return after this season – similar to the situation when Rory Holden signed permanently in the summer.

"It gives the squad a bit of freshness with new lads coming in," Clarke said.

"We're still very young, we're the fourth or fifth youngest team in the league.

"Whenever I bring a loan in, I try and get loans that could potentially be something for the future.

"There's always an eye that maybe their might be an option further down the league.

"I look at it with players that are potentially coming to the end of their contract or might not be in favour at their club.

"Loans are hit and miss. In 10 years as a manager I've hit on a few and missed on a hell of a lot more.

"They're always a bit of a gamble. Harry Kane is one of the world's greatest strikers and he had four or five loans.

"It can be hit and miss but I like to bring in loans that might help us in the future as well.

"We got the free loans in this window that will strengthen the squad and give more competition for places."

Meanwhile, Clarke insists the positive relationship that Walsall has with other clubs will only benefit them for future deals.

"We have to build that trust and relationship with clubs and we do it right here," Clarke added.

"We keep them updated on their progress and we look after those players. Those players come and know they're joining a very professional environment.

"We had Adan George from Birmingham who didn't make an appearance, it wasn't the right time for him to come into the team, but we've taken another one of Birmingham's players because the line of communication has always been open and we respect every player that we take."