Saddlers make Marc move

04 March 2011 13:00
Walsall have completed the loan signing of Carlisle midfielder Marc Antoine Gbarssin on a deal until the end of April. The 26-year-old Frenchman has only made one appearance for the Cumbrians but could make his league debut for Walsall at Swindon on Saturday if the necessary clearance is granted. Gbarssin, who started his career at home town team Bordeaux, previously had a spell at Belgian club Royal Antwerp between 2007 and 2010 and underwent a trial at Italian side Bologna before joining Carlisle in December on an initial one-month deal that was extended until the end of the season in January. Saddlers boss Dean Smith has been aware of the player for some time and told the club's official website: "I have a contact in Belgium who first made me aware of Marc Antoine when he was playing for Royal Antwerp and I have kept tabs on him ever since. "He is a ball-winning midfielder who can pass the ball and also has a real physical presence. Whilst (recent signing) Emmanuel Ledesma will give us flair and unpredictability, Marc Antoine has a solid and no-nonsense style. He is a welcome addition to our squad." Meanwhile, Walsall's other Carlisle loanee, striker Jason Price, has returned to Brunton Park after his one-month deal expired.

Source: PA