Nicholls looking to stake his claim

Jun 20 2007 By Brian Halford, Birmingham Mail

ALEX Nicholls wants next season to be the bridge to his long-term membership of the first-team squad at Walsall.

Last season the 19-year-old's progress was effectively frozen as he battled back to full fitness after suffering a broken leg early in 2006.

He combined time in the Saddlers' reserves with two months on loan to Conference side Burton Albion. In first-team terms, it was lost time for the pacy Stourbridge-born striker.

So, after recently signing a new 12-month contract, he intends to make up for that lost time.

"Last season was a bit messy for me," he said. "I got my first professional contract this time last year, which was great but because I had a broken leg I didn't get a full pre-season under my belt.

"From there I was playing catch-up and it took me longer than I thought to get fully fit. I went out to Burton and that gave me games I needed to push and now I'm ready to give it a real go next season and show people what I'm about."

If Nicholls does emerge as genuine first-team material it would be a huge fillip to Walsall.

As they grapple with League One challenges ahead, the Saddlers will welcome all the up-front options they can find.

Nicholls does not intend to be found wanting in terms of fitness or desire.

"This is my first real pre-season as a professional and I want to give it my best," he said. "The manager has seen me at my best in little patches and I want to show him that I'm fit, hungry and ready to make a contribution."