Walsall boss Jimmy Mullen is hoping new signing Stephen Hughes will be fully fit for the season opener against Yeovil on Saturday.The former Arsenal midfielder is undertaking a high-intensity fitness programme in a bid to make the Saddlers' starting line-up on the first day of their League One campaign.

Hughes captained the team during their 2-1 win at Port Vale at the weekend and has now set his sights on the clash against the Glovers.

"He is an experienced guy who has played at the highest level," Mullen told the Express and Star. "I thought he is captaincy material and the type of guy our younger players could look up to.

"He has bedded in quite well but he has not done anything for a fortnight. He has been on trial at Nottingham Forest and been doing a bit of work on his own.

"Hopefully he will be in contention for the game at Yeovil. When he is fully match-fit, I believe we will have a very good player."

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