SADDLERS' assistant manager, Martin O'Connor is itching for the action to restart following a month kicking our heels due to the winter weather. "It looks like the worst of the weather is now over," he said. "We are just desperate for a game and hopefully the pitch will be fit to play on at the weekend.

"The players want to play football. We have tried to keep them focussed and been professional, imaginative and creative with our training. This is the longest that I can ever remember being without football during the season.

"The attitude of the players has been positive; we've kept the balance of football and fitness and made sure that they keep ticking over. It's been like a second pre-season for us and now we are chomping at the bit to get out there and play.

"We're expecting a tough game against Brighton. They've had fresh impetus with the appointment of Gus Poyet at the helm. His experience should prove useful to them, but I am more interested in what we do than Brighton and if we ensure that our own house is in order, we will be okay."