Keates Backs Zeli Ismail to Entertain the Masses

Walsall boss Dean Keates has spoken to club journalists and discussed his belief that recent arrival Zeli Ismail has what it takes to get Saddlers fans on the edge of their seats.

Zeli, who returned to the club on a permanent basis following a successful loan spell during the first half of the 2017/18 campaign, was released by Bury at the end of last season and almost immediately put pen-to-paper on a deal at Banks's Stadium.

Keates. who was speaking as his squad begin their second week of pre-season training, expects the former Wolverhampton Wanderers winger to shine now he has signed for the Saddlers, insisting that the club provides the perfect environment for the talented 23-year-old.

Speaking via the club's official website - Saddlers.co.uk - the gaffer said; "I watched Bury a few times last season and I’d also heard his name around the place. Watching him, I was impressed. He carries the ball well and gets you up the pitch with his pace. He’s explosive. He’s somebody who, if you’re in the crowd, can get you on the edge of your seat – very similar I felt with Josh Ginnelly.

“Here is the perfect environment for the lad. He’s ten minutes away, back home and all his family are around him. That’s the way I sold it to him; come and be in the right environment and I’ll try to help you push on."