Saddlers Snap Up O'Neill and Baird

By Neil Ravenscroft
September 26 2003

Walsall have snapped up on a month's loan two of the Premiership's rising stars, Southampton's Northern Ireland International, Chris Baird and Portsmouth's England under 21 International Gary O'Neill.

Baird famously played at right back for the Saints in last season's FA Cup Final, just one week fater making his first team debut and was one of their best players on the day.

The 21 year old is equally comfortable at full back or right midfield and will give us the option of playing 4 4 2, or of taking the place of the out of form Darren Bazeley at wing back.

Gary O'Neill is only 20 and is also very highly rated, having already made 50 starts and 31 substitute appearances for Pompey.

It had been rumoured that he was coming to us earlier in the season, but this had been blocked because of Berger's injury. He was this week supposed to be moving to Stoke, but Mandaric is supposed to have blocked that, as the club is still in dispute with ex Manager, Tony Pulis.

We say: This could be excellent signings and we have beaten several others to O'Neill's signature.