Dean Keates to Make Final Decision on Trialist Duo Next Week

Walsall manager Dean Keates has spoken to the local press ahead of this afternoon's pre-season clash with Cheltenham Town and has revealed that he will make a final descision on the two remaining trialists - believed to be former Liverpool and Middlesbrough defender Tom Brewitt and ex-Burton Albion centre-back Tomáš Egert - in the days following the game.

The manager, who, despite releasing all other trialists in the aftermath of the team's famous victory over Ajax has allowed the duo to remain with the squad for the last week, is expected to offer the duo contracts as he desperately needs to add numbers to his backline with Jon Guthrie currently being the only fit first-team central defender.

Speaking via the Express & Star, Dean said; "We will be making a final decision of the two lads that are left on trial after this game. They have done well so far but a decision has to be made and we will make it next week. They have taken part in our pre-season regime and I feel like they have done well so we will see how they do at the weekend and we will go from there."

The gaffer then went on to talk about team morale, insisting that - despite the season-ending injury to Kory Roberts - there is a positive atmosphere amongst the squad as the players are ready and raring to go, he continued; "There is a very good feeling around the place at the moment. Everyone seems very happy but we are trying not look too far into the future. It has been a really good pre-season, the only downside is the horrible accident that happened to Kory.

"Other than that I think everything has gone well for us. I am happy with the fitness levels of the lads. The performances have got much better as the month has gone on. And I am sure the lads will be ready and raring to go when Plymouth rock up here next weekend."