No timescale on O’Connor injury

Saddlers boss Jon Whitney has provided an injury update to the Express & Star regarding experienced defender, James O’Connor.

“James has a hip injury and is under medical care at the moment,” said the boss. “He did the first day and picked up a niggle. I am not sure when he will be back. I think we are a bit unclear on that one.’

What is certain however, is the impressive performance from new defensive recruits Jon Guthrie and James Wilson, in the pre-season friendly against Aston Villa. Both defenders looked comfortable on the ball and also offer an increased physical presence. The signs are promising for Whitney from a defensive perspective as O’Connor would seemingly fit alongside Wilson and Guthrie into the manager’s preferred 5-4-1 formation.

The two new full backs also showed their promise in the Villa friendly, as Nicky Devlin and Luke Leahy highlighted their defensive and attacking ability.