Walsall boss Mat Sadler pleased with progress of new defender
Walsall boss Mat Sadler is pleased with the early progression defender Evan Weir has made since joining up with the squad for pre-season.
Weir signed from Drogheda United in the winter transfer window before heading back to Ireland on loan for the first half of the domestic season.
The 22-year-old has featured in each of Walsall’s five pre-season friendlies so far - playing at left wing-back against Alvechurch, Villa and Birmingham, and at left centre-back at Tamworth and Drogheda.
Sadler feels that the Irishman is showing positive signs he is adjusting to life in the West Midlands and expects his versatility across the back-line to serve as a vital tool.
“Evan has been here for four weeks and you can see day by day how he is starting to get used to us and we’re getting used to him,” Sadler revealed.
“We’re starting to see some solid, combative performances from him which I expect to see as the season continues.
“He can play multiple positions across the back-line which will be important because we will need that at times.”
While Walsall’s players enjoyed a two month break at the end of the previous campaign, Weir continued to play for Drogheda until the end of June having made 21 appearances this term.
Weir scored five times and set-up three more along the way amid a difficult campaign for the Drogs which saw them sitting at the foot of the League of Ireland table by the time of his departure.
In terms of his integration into the squad, Sadler feels he can take a similar approach to the one the club took with former loanee Freddie Draper last summer.
“Definitely,” he agreed when asked if Draper’s situation will serve as an important reference point for Weir. “Maybe sometimes it’s easier for attackers. I don’t know, especially if you hit the ground running by scoring a goal or making an assist.
“Nonetheless he is a good young player and he will grow into that position on the left of a back-three and at left wing-back when I play him there.
“He has a wand of a left foot like Taylor Allen. I think he scored two or three free-kicks with Drogheda in the first half of the season.
“I want players with legs, energy, drive, determination and that willingness to want to improve. Evans fits into that category.”
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