Walsall Football Club have completed a six-month loan deal for West Bromwich Albion utility man Shaun Donnellan.
The versatile 20-year-old has been capped by the Republic of Ireland at U19 and U21 level - becoming international teammates for the latter with current Saddlers defender Liam Kinsella.
He becomes The Saddlers’ sixth signing of the summer transfer window following the loan arrival of James Wilson and permanent captures of Luke Leahy, Mark Gillespie, Nicky Devlin and Jon Guthrie.
Capable of playing in midfield, defence and on the right, Donnellan, who had a successful loan spell last season with National League side Dagenham and Redbridge as they made the play-offs, provides options in several areas of the pitch for manager Jon Whitney.
“I first saw Shaun play a couple of years ago in central midfield for Worcester City, when Amadou Bakayoko was on loan there,” said Whitney.
“He’s a versatile player who can cover a number of positions and we’re delighted to get him in.
“We’re also very thankful to West Bromwich Albion - we have been trying to establish links with various clubs and we’re pleased that they see Walsall as the best place for Shaun to be playing his football.”
“I’m absolutely buzzing to be honest,” said Donnellan - who netted for West Brom in their 2-1 win at the Banks’s in pre-season.
“I know a couple of the boys really well, playing with them for Ireland and I know Amadou too.
“The gaffer spoke to me and I really want to get down to it, crack on and do well.
“I’m quite versatile - I played against Walsall the other week as a centre-half but I also play midfield and right-back.
"I can play a few positions but (I just want to play) any football - I just want to play and give it my all.”
Meanwhile Saddlers boss Whitney confirmed that talks remain ongoing for additional recruits.
"I have to be patient but we call people every day to let them know we're still interested," said Whitney.
"I need a few more members into my squad but all I can do is keep calling round and visiting people, and me and my staff are doing that."
Donnellan’s first full interview as a Saddler is now available exclusively to iFollow Walsall subscribers.