Walsall sign Michael Ngoo on loan from Liverpool

The 21-year-old has joined the Saddlers until the end of the season and goes into the squad for tomorrow's game with Coventry.

His arrival brings to an end boss Dean Smith's month –long search for a striker.

"Michael is a lad that I have been watching for a long time," said Smith. "He is the right calibre and profile to fit into what we are trying to do here.

"He's big, strong, athletic and can score goals. Technically he is very good and will improve what we have already got here.

"On top of all of that, he is also a good character and someone that I am looking forward to working with."

Sixth-placed Walsall are currently the lowest scorers in the top half of League One but were recently boosted by the return on loan of Febian Brandy from Sheffield United.

Smith will be hoping Ngoo, who began his career with Southend United, can have the same impact. Some sections of the club's fanbase have repeatedly called on the manager to sign a central striker. They now have their wish.

A tall and powerful striker, he joined Liverpool at the age of 16 in 2009 and scored five goals in 16 appearances during a loan spell with Hearts last season.

A less successful spell at Yeovil ended after just three months earlier this season but his services had been sought by the Saddlers League One rivals Swindon, while Championship outfit Charlton were also said to be interested.

Meanwhile tomorrow's game at Northampton's Sixfields Stadium will be subject to a 9.30am pitch inspection.