Walsall handed Harrison Burke fitness boost ahead of pre-season

Walsall defender Harrison Burke has made a full recovery from an ankle injury ahead of the start of pre-season.

The 23-year-old sustained the issue during the Saddlers' 3-1 defeat at Bromley on the final day of last season.

After starting at right-back, Burke picked up an early knock at Hayes Lane, which eventually forced him off at the end of the first half.

Walsall receive Burke boost

But he has trained in full since the squad reported back for pre-season training under new head coach Lee Grant last week and is set to be available when Walsall travel to Leamington on Saturday.

Burke, who joined Walsall from non-league Chester last summer, scored twice in 22 appearances in League Two last term.

His debut campaign in the Football League was interrupted by injury and he missed nearly four months with a knee problem between early October and mid January.

Former Crewe Alexandra defender James Connolly could partner Burke at the back in Leamington following his arrival at Bescot last week.

Connolly penned a two-year deal with an option year included after leaving Crewe.

17-year-old academy graduate Stan Straw and Rico Browne are also options in central defence - although the latter finished the previous campaign at right-back under former interim head coach Darren Byfield.

Flint on trial at Notts County

Meanwhile, ex-Saddlers defender Aden Flint is currently on trial with League One side Notts County.

Flint - who turns 37 later this week - was among 12 players to be released by Walsall at the end of last season.

The veteran featured for County, who achieved promotion from League Two via the play-offs last season, during their pre-season opener against Alfreton Town on Saturday.

Walsall will conclude their pre-season campaign when County visit Bescot on August 1.

In his only season at Walsall, Flint made 38 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice and setting up one more.