Saddlers secure Premier League youngster on loan as Butler heads back to Bramall Lane...
THE SADDLERS have completed the one-month loan capture of attack-minded midfielder, Michael Cain, from Leicester City, subject to Premier League clearance.The 20 year-old excelled whilst coming through the ranks at Luton Town, prompting The Foxes to agree an undisclosed deal for his signature when he was just 16 years of age.
His progression has continued at the King Power Stadium and he is rated as one of the club’s hottest young prospects with his attacking instincts and set-piece delivery serving their Development Squad well in recent seasons.
He had a loan spell at Mansfield Town last season and is looking forward to getting more competitive action under his belt at a higher level having made his first senior start for Leicester in the Capital One Cup earlier this season.
“This is an area of the team that we feel needs strengthening at this particular moment in time, so we are delighted to have Michael on board,” said manager, Dean Smith. “I’ve seen him play a few times for the under-21s at Leicester and we’ve had him training with us over the past couple of weeks, so we know what he will bring to the team.
“By the same token, he knows what we’re about and what we expect, so hopefully he can hit the ground running.
“He’s a box-to-box player who likes to win the ball and keep it. He’s also got an eye for goal and likes to get forward at every opportunity.
“There is no doubt that he is a talented footballer who is rated highly at Leicester and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do here.”
Cain will wear squad number 12 and is looking forward to getting regular action under his belt.
“I’m over the moon to be here,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for me to play regular football at a good level, so I’m relishing the challenge.
“I’d like to think that I will bring an attacking dynamic to the team; I like to get forward and get shots on goal.
“Walsall are renowned as a passing team and I feel that I will fit perfectly into that as it is how I have been brought up in the game.
“I’ve already trained here over the past few weeks and its one of the best atmospheres that I have ever experienced in football. The players and staff are a close-knit group and they have made me feel extremely welcome.
“The hope now is that I can get some games and make a favourable impression with the supporters.”
Subject to the necessary Premier League clearance being received, Cain stands by to make his debut at Crawley Town on Tuesday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).
As Cain checks in to Banks’s Stadium, Andy Butler has returned to Sheffield United after his loan spell at the club came to an end. We thank Andy for his efforts over the past month and wish him well.