Walsall target signings before Poland

The Saddlers chief – who has already made seven signings this summer – is keen to add more experience to a squad that currently has an average age of just 22.

Walsall fly out to Poland on Sunday and will play a behind-closed-doors friendly on Tuesday.

And Clarke is hopeful to have added more players before they depart.

“I’d like to think there will be two of three added before Poland,” he said.

“We have got Jack Rose in who will provide good competition for the number one spot. The two keepers will push each other. And I’m hopeful we are close to a few more.

“We are in a market where we can’t always get our first, second or third choice because they are wanted elsewhere.

“But we want to bring a certain style of player and I keep mentioning that word ‘hungry’. We want players with something to prove. We want players who are going to play for the shirt and the football club.

“And I think you can see in the first couple of games the energy levels of the team.

“We like to play on the front foot, mix our game up. Hopefully, it’s knitting together nicely.”

Walsall have run the rule over a number of trialists in their two pre-season games so far.

Against Alfreton, keeper Jon Flatt as well as forwards Alex Nicholls and Liam McAlinden were given the chance to impress.

While at Leamington, Kairo Edwards-John, Danny Guthrie and Koby Arthur all did well, as did another unknown striker.

Clarke will continue to asses the players who featured at the New Windmill Ground.

But he says the players who featured at Alfreton will not be offered deals.

“The trialists involved at Alfreton – there were no offers on the table there,” Clarke added. “I’ll discuss with my staff some of the boys that have been in for trial this week, we’ll discuss that and see how we go forward it.”