Walsall manager Dean Smith has spoken to the press ahead of this weekend's Sky Bet League 1 clash with Colchester United, and has praised recently returned loan-star Jordan Murphy for the progress he has made whilst on loan with Worcester City.
18-year-old Murphy, who joined the Saddlers in the summer, played a part in Worcester’s superb FA Cup run which saw them knock out Coventry before forcing Scunthorpe United in to a replay and penalties.
Speaking to the Express & Star, Smith said; “He has done really well at Worcester and probably played a little bit out of position on the left of the three but he did superbly.
“He has come on leaps and bounds. I think it is important Jordan spends a good month around us now and can push to try and get in to the first team squad. That has to be his target and that is what we are hoping he can do.
“Going out to Worcester has been brilliant for him, especially with the exposure they had in the Cup, playing Coventry and Scunthorpe twice on telly. It has been a great adventure for him but we just felt it was time for him to come back now.
“He has spent a lot of time with us during the week because even when they are on loan it can be haphazard – they spend a couple of nights with their loan team and a couple of nights with us.
“This gives us the chance to work with him and the only thing he won’t have at the end of the week is a game unless he forces his way into the team here.”
SOURCE EXPRESS & STAR