Walsall vs Bradford AFC preview - Forde eyeing Saddlers debut

Posted Friday, August 15, 2014 by PA

New signing Anthony Forde will be in contention to make his Walsall debut when Bradford visit after joining from Wolves on a two-year contract this week.

The 20-year-old winger, who has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 level, said: "I can't wait to get started. I feel that I will bring creativity to the side and hopefully I can also weigh in with goals."

Saddlers boss Dean Smith is still without midfielder Sam Mantom, defender Ben Purkiss and striker Jordan Cook but reports all three are making progress and on the way back.

Looking ahead to the Bradford clash, he told Saddlers Player: "We were closely matched last season and it's going to be a tough game for us, but I'm sure they'll be talking about us in the same vain as well and it makes for a really good game. It's important for us because we want to get our home campaign off to a good start."

Bradford's latest signing Mason Bennett is hoping to make his first appearance for the club following his arrival on a half-season loan from Derby earlier in the week.

Midfielder Gary Liddle is back in contention after missing the midweek Capital One Cup win at Morecambe due to the birth of his daughter, but defender Alan Sheehan misses out. He has returned to Ireland following the death of a close relative.

Striker Aaron Mclean is expected to start on the bench again following a calf injury despite scoring the winner on Tuesday night.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, on loan from Sunderland, is likely to return in place of Ben Williams after being refused permission to play in the cup clash by parent club Sunderland.