Geordie: I'm not here to make up the numbers

Dec 21 2006 By Brian Halford, Birmingham Mail

NEW signing Geordie Lyall today insisted he does not intend to be a mere bench-warmer at Walsall.

The Canadian has signed for the Saddlers for the rest of this season and set down a marker yesterday with an impressive display in a 2-0 friendly win over Coventry.

A specialist right-back, Lyall can also play in midfield and arrives in the UK after eight years with Vancouver White-caps in his native country.

He will put pressure on Chris Westwood and Craig Pead for the right-back spot, as well as providing much-needed cover in central midfield.

And as he at last settles into his first English club, 30-year-old Lyall outlined his desire to supply a productive Indian summer to his playing career.

"So far it's been great," said Lyall, who is also a qualified PE teacher.

"It was a long trip over from Victoria but I have been meaning to play overseas for a long time and am really excited about it.

"This is the first time I have come to England and it may be a bit late in my career but it has already been a great experience.

"I have met a lot of great people and the coaching here is fantastic. I should learn a lot.

"But I haven't come here just to sit on the bench. I've signed for the rest of this season and hopefully can get into the first team. Then we'll see how it goes. It's time to see what I can do in the last two or three years of my career."

Lyall convinced manager Richard Money to award him a contract during a month's trial at Bescot.

"The game is a lot more physical over here and a bit quicker," he said.

"If the Coventry game yesterday had been in Canada there would have been four or five yellow cards.

"But for a long time I've wanted to play abroad and now I've got my chance I want to make the most of it."