Paul Merson has reached agreement with his former boss Bryan Robson to keep on-loan stopper Joe Murphy until the end of the season. The deal is still subject to chairman Jeff Bonser sorting out the paper work, but the gaffer seems confident Murphy will be between the sticks until May.

On the pitch Merson faces a nice selection headache for Saturday’s trip to Bradford. Neil Emblen is back from a one-match ban, so competes with Bennett and Roper for the 2 central defensive places. New signing Marvin Robinson may have to be content with a place on the bench as Fryatt and Leitao both performed well in Tuesday’s win over Hartlepool.

Former Saddlers target Daniel Chillingworth has joined Leyton Orient from Cambridge - reports suggest United could not reach agreement with Walsall over a deal.

Walsall’s trip to Layer Road to face Colchester has been moved from 8th January to Tuesday 25th January as Colchester are involved in the FA Cup. Kick off is 7.45pm.