Dean Keates looking for another centre-half at Walsall

Despite the transfer window closing on August 9, the Saddlers can still bring in free agents and loan signings until August 31.

A centre-back remains the priority with Jack Fitzwater and Jon Guthrie the only two Keates currently has available.

And the boss said there will definitely be an addition before time runs out.

“There is still a couple of weeks to go and Jack and Jon have been fantastic,” Keates said.

“Jack took a little knock at Tranmere but is fine.

“But we are looking in that area, we are openly looking. I’m hoping something will fall into place into next week.

“But there will definitely be an addition before the end of the window.”

Walsall host Gillingham at the Banks’s Stadium tomorrow as they look to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

Isaiah Osbourne is likely to return in midfield after he was rested for the Carabao Cup clash at Tranmere.

The midfielder rejoined the Saddlers last week after spending pre-season training on his own.

But Keates has a decision to make after Liam Kinsella impressed at Prenton Park.

“I could have played Ozzy (Osbourne) at Tranmere, I had a good chat with him and he wanted to play,” the boss continued.

“But we could manage it and it’s important to do that when things are in your control.

“Kins (Kinsella) came in and was outstanding.

"It’s a squad game, it’s a team game and there is a good togetherness in there and that is something we will keep building and keep developing.”

Keates also has a decision to make at right-back after Kane Wilson was given a full debut against Micky Mellon’s side.

“Kane did well,” the manager added.

“He is a young, young man. I had a chat with him because I think he was a little bit too eager with the free-kick for their goal.

“That is part of his development but he showed why he has got such a bright future ahead of him and why West Brom regard him so highly.”