Saddlers lure Laird

Walsall have signed Millwall midfielder Marc Laird on loan until the end of the season. Saddlers boss Dean Smith has moved to boost his ranks ahead of Thursday`s final loan deadline, and Laird will be available to make his debut at MK Dons on Friday subject to the necessary paperwork being cleared. The Lions will have a 24-hour recall clause on the 25-year-old Scot`s services, although that can only be called upon after the first 28 days of the loan have passed. Laird signed for Millwall from Manchester City in 2008 and has played a big part in the club`s fortunes over recent years, however he has struggled for first-team opportunities in the Championship this term and enjoyed a brief loan spell with Brentford at the turn of the year. Smith said: "Marc is a player that I have been aware of since his days as a youngster at Manchester City. He has always impressed me and when I saw him play for Brentford earlier this year, he once more put in an impressive performance. "He's an energetic, box-to-box midfielder who will be a welcome addition to our squad."

Source: PA