'Here to challenge' - Walsall embrace James Furlong competition at left-back

Lee Grant has been pleased with the way Walsall left-back James Furlong has provided strong competition for Mason Hancock.

Furlong is still awaiting his league debut for the Saddlers, but has featured three times for his new employers in the cup competitions.

The Irishman produced his best performance yet in the 3-2 win over Fulham under-21s in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday, scoring his maiden goal with a stunning strike from distance.

And Grant was impressed by his display, as Furlong continues to bide his time - with Hancock ahead of him in the pecking order.

Grant sets Walsall challenge for Furlong

“His last question to me before he signed his contract was: 'Am I here to challenge?' because if I commit to Walsall Football Club then I'm doing it because I feel like I've got an opportunity to play’,” head coach Grant said.

“The answer for everybody, not just James, but in that specific conversation was: absolutely. If I'm signing you then I'm bringing you in to have a legitimate chance to play in my team every week.

“The challenge for everybody before the game on Tuesday was to make that a reality. I'm pleased for James, certainly the latter stages, I think he felt the fact that he hadn't played more often.

“You could see him physically having a harder time, but I thought it was a really strong performance from him.”

Furlong joined the Saddlers following a brief spell in Slovenia with Maribor during the second half of last season.

The 24-year-old has been named in the match day squad for the last seven league games, but has been an unused substitute on each occasion.

Hancock is currently ahead of him in the pecking order and remains the only outfielder to play every minute for Walsall in League Two so far this term.