Express & Star

Striker Mitch Candlin returns to Walsall from Blackburn Rovers

Mitch Candlin has returned to Walsall after failing to make an appearance while on loan at Championship side Blackburn Rovers.

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The 18-year-old – who has played for the Saddlers' first team nine times – was hopeful of earning a permanent deal at Ewood Park.

However, Blackburn chose not to take up their option to sign the striker, who will now be available for Walsall's trip to Gillingham on Saturday.

Candlin – who helped the Saddlers' development squad win the 2016/17 Walsall Senior Cup – made his professional debut against Bradford City in April 2017 as a 16-year-old.

He went on to feature four more times before the end of the season – and he started a 4-1 defeat to MK Dons on the final day.

That run in the team secured him his first professional contract at the Banks's Stadium, but he only made four more appearances during the 2017/18 campaign, all as a substitute.

However, Blackburn saw enough potential in him to take him on loan in August 2018 – but he is now back at the Banks's and available to manager Dean Keates ahead of back-to-back away games against relegation rivals Gillingham and Plymouth Argyle.