Comment: Why ex-Rangers striker Kemar Roofe could be a 'gamble' worth taking for Walsall
Kemar Roofe's name has been hot on the lips of Walsall supporters since he posted an image on his Instagram bearing the club's badge on his tracksuit bottoms.
The 32-year-old was hitting the heights at Rangers only two years ago, but has seen his career derailed by injury in recent times.
That had led to Roofe being without a club since his short-term deal at Derby County came to an end in the summer, once again due to injury.
Roofe is fighting to get his career back on track and the Walsall-born attacker has been training with his hometown club for the past three weeks.
Walsall to 'hit the jackpot' if Roofe rediscovers his form at Bescot
Mat Sadler revealed after the Saddlers' 4-2 win at Newport County on Saturday that the priority is for Roofe to rediscover his fitness before any decision is reached over a potential move.
Offering him a deal will undoubtedly be a gamble, but it could certainly prove to be one worth taking.
In total, Roofe scored 38 goals during his time in Glasgow, lifting the league title, two domestic trophies, as well finishing runners-up in the Europa League in 2022.
If he can rediscover just a speck of that form, or that of his goal scoring exploits at either Oxford United and Leeds, then Walsall will have hit the jackpot.
A potential solution in attack
Patience will be required considering his injury record, but the addition of another attacker, especially of Roofe's pedigree, would be very welcome.
Charlton Athletic loanee Daniel Kanu has netted six goals in all competitions, while fellow strike partner Aaron Pressley has weighed in with four more.
But there is still some concern over the lack of depth in attack, which has been a topic of discussion since the summer window shut.
Admittedly, Albert Adomah has netted twice from the bench in the league and Jamille Matt ended his seven-month goal drought at Eastleigh in the FA Cup.
However, the biggest fear is over whether the veteran pair can fill the void if Kanu or Pressley get injured. Walsall simply cannot run the risk of leaving themselves short if injury strikes and Roofe could potentially offer the perfect solution.
It will take him time to reach match fitness, and even when he does, Walsall will inevitably have to play the long game.
But good things come to those who wait, and Sadler could very well reap the reward if he can be the man to revive Roofe's former glories.
Comment Guidelines
Iconic Media encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.