FOR THE first time in his professional football career, Jabo Ibehre will be away from his native London for the festive period, but he wouldn't want it any other way.

"I've really settled in well here and thoroughly enjoy it at the club," he said. "I'm having members of my family and friends come up from London to see me, which I am looking forward to, but the main thing is for me to stay focussed on our games.

"We have some tough matches coming up and some positive results will help enhance the enjoyment of the occasion.

"This time of the year can be difficult for footballers with everyone else able to let their hair down, but you get used to it and it's all part of the job."

A slight thigh strain saw Ibehre forced to sit out our trip to Cheltenham last weekend, but he is hoping to be back for the busy run of matches coming up.

The Saddlers play host to Stockport County on Boxing Day (kick-off 3.00pm) before travelling to Tranmere Rovers for our final game of 2008 on Sunday, December 28th (kick-off 3.00pm).

Stay logged on to www.saddlers.co.uk for all the latest news and match reports throughout the festive period.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO WALSALL FC SUPPORTERS EVERYWHERE...