Bradley hails Saddlers assistant

The 21-year-old Bradley has made 16 appearances this season in a forever-changing midfield and has partnered Dwayne Mattis during captain Stephen Hughes' injury absence.

O'Connor was a no-nonsense midfielder during his three spells as a player with the Saddlers and Bradley is relishing the chance to learn from the former captain.

He said: "With his experience, he can help my game massively. He played in my position, which is always a help from your coach, and I think I can get to know Martin well and we can work together to make me improve.

"We need to keep improving and that's all I want to do as a player. I want to improve and work as hard as I can every day."

The Welsh under-21 international believes he will not be the only one to benefit from former Birmingham and Crystal Palace man O'Connor.

Bradley recalls watching O'Connor play for Birmingham when they lost the League Cup final to Liverpool on penalties in 2001 and knows his local links help his standing in the dressing room.

The midfielder said: "His enthusiasms and desire for the game are brilliant and he's determined to pass that on to the lads.

"I remember watching him when he played in the cup final and saw him a few times for Blues. A few of the lads know him from Halesowen and they speak highly of him."

O'Connor and boss Chris Hutchings are set to embark on a gruelling set of games, with League One leaders Leicester City visiting the Banks's Stadium on Tuesday, before trips to Hartlepool and Carlisle.

But Bradley will savour the chance to showcase his abilities.

He said: "Personally I like Saturday and Tuesday matches because you get a lot of games and it's always enjoyable, especially if you're winning.

"Hopefully we can get a few wins under our belt. It's not easy but that's where the gaffer is going to see most of the players play and improve and see what they're about."