Deal delights Saddlers boss

The 21-year-old, who can play in both midfield and attack, joins the Saddlers with the squad stretched to the limit after the departure of Marco Reich.

Williams played against the Saddlers while on loan at Colchester - when Walsall won 2-0 at the Weston Homes Community Stadium in November - scoring one goal in three appearances.

Hutchings is delighted with the signing, who will be available until the Saddlers host Yeovil at the end of February.

He said: "We've been working hard behind the scenes to add to the squad and are delighted to have been able to bring Sam in.

"He's a young and hungry footballer with Premier League pedigree and this is a great opportunity for him to come and get more first-team experience."

Williams rose through the ranks at Villa Park but has yet to make a first team appearance for Martin O'Neill's side, despite being a regular starter for the reserves.

Hutchings was after a defender but has swooped for Williams, who has also spent time on loan at Wrexham and Brighton, as he feels he can offer something different.

The Saddlers chief already has Troy Deeney, Michael Ricketts and Jabo Ibehre at his disposal but sees Williams as a different dimension up front.

He said: "He's played a lot of reserve team football at Villa Park and we're grateful to Villa for letting him come here. He's a hard-working front-man who can link up play and I'm looking forward to working with him."

With the visit of League One leaders Leicester on Tuesday and trips to Hartlepool and Carlisle, Williams' signature is welcome.

Chris Palmer and Anthony Gerrard remain on the transfer list and Hutchings can ill afford to lose any more players. He is also known to still be in the market for a defender.

He had until 5pm on Monday to make any more signings before the transfer window closes.