Walsall handed defensive injury boost ahead of AFC Telford United trip

Lee Grant has revealed Walsall summer signing James Connolly will be available for their pre-season trip to AFC Telford United on Saturday.

The 24-year-old defender is yet to feature for the Saddlers in both of their pre-season friendlies in front of supporters against Leamington and Aston Villa respectively.

Ronan Maher also suffered an elbow injury on the eve of the goalless draw at Leamington earlier this month, but is nearing a return to action.

“We should see James back with us and available for selection against Telford this weekend,” head coach Grant confirmed.

“Ronan is also not too far away as well.”

Connolly joined the Saddlers on a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months this summer.

Grant has since further bolstered his defensive options with the additions of Wycombe Wanderers loanee Declan Skura and the experienced Ryan Leak following a successful trial.

Former Wales under-21 international Connolly left Crewe Alexandra at the end of last season, after scoring three goals in 70 games in all competitions during two years at Gresty Road.

He also previously had a spell at Bristol Rovers, where he won the League Two title in 2022.

Academy graduate Maher, who has been on the Saddlers’ book since the age of 11, will be looking to stake a claim in the final year of his current deal, and can offer options in both midfield and on the wing.

Maher spent the majority of last season on loan at Tamworth, scoring four goals and setting up two more in 22 appearances across all competitions.

The 21-year-old featured four times for the Saddlers in total last term, but has not figured in a league fixture since a pair of cameos from the bench against Swindon Town and Tranmere Rovers respectively in August 2024.