Walsall boosted by trios availability

By Mike_Bassett
January 5 2006

The Saddlers have recieved a selection boost ahead of the weekends trip to Barnsley. Key Trio Daniel Fox, Ian Roper and Simon Osborn look set to return to full fitness.

This news will come as a timely boost to manager Paul Merson. Merson who slated his midfields performance at Bristol City will look to make wholesale changes in the Midfield department.

Daniel Fox missed the festive fixtures because of a hip injury which has now cleared up. Walsall missed his passion and drive in midfield. Despite being a left back Fox is likely to play a midfield role in his first match back.

Ian Roper looks set to return after missing the Bristol City new year fixture. He will resume his centre defence partnership with Anthony Gerrard.

Simon Osborn sat out the first half in the 3-0 thrashing at Ashton gate but will start on Saturday as Walsall resume on the FA Cup trail.

The three players return will come as a massive boost to Merson who claimed he had no options on Monday and put out the only team he could put together.