Paul Merson might have completed his very own version of the famous five with Paul Devlin, but he is still on the lookout of more additions to his squad before the transfer window closes.

The 33-year-old was officially unveiled at the Bescot Stadium yesterday and will provide Merson with more guile and experience for the remainder of the campaign.

Devlin has joined from Watford on a permanent deal until the end of the campaign, with an option in the summer for both parties.

He is the fifth new addition to Walsall's squad this year along with loan signings Mads Timm, Kevin James, Michael Leary and Grant Smith.

Merson has been delighted with what he has seen thus far from the quartet of newcomers and is optimistic Devlin can bring his own brand of qualities to the party, as the Saddlers aim to engineer a play-off push in the last four months of the season.

It is a similar scenario to last season where the arrivals of Craig Pead, Anthony Gerrard, Julian Joachim and Andrew Surman transformed Walsall's season and saw them end the campaign with five consecutive victories.

Merson is convinced he has seen tangible evidence that there could be a similar occurrence this term. "We saw that last season and the disappointing thing is that you'd like those players to stay," he said.

"Julian Joachim and Andrew Surman left us, yet they were the two best players in that run of five straight wins.

"It would be nice if we could start next season with the group of players we currently have. I don't want to jump forward six months, but if you can get a group of players like that together at the start of a season, instead of when you are in mid-table and chasing, then it is a big advantage.

"If you get quality players, then you will get quality results and the signings make the management staff and me look quite good," he added with a laugh.

"I am very pleased to sign Devlin, as he has played at the top level," continued Merson. "He can play either on the wing or up front."

The Saddlers are without Ian Roper, who is sidelined for ten days, for tomorrow's tough trip to Chesterfield, while Daniel Fox is also missing.

Merson is trying to bring in a young loan signing from Everton to replace Fox, but cannot see the merits in procuring an experienced defender.

"It is a Catch 22 situation," added Merson. "If you start bringing in experienced players on loan and then players return, they are all fit and sitting on the bench and I don't like doing that.

"Every loan player I have bought in has always played. That's the way it should be. We still need a forward but no-one is letting them go at present.

"Chesterfield will be a difficult game. Wayne Allison was the difference last time as he bullied us; not in the sense of going around elbowing people, but he used his experience against our younger players. Anthony Gerrard was taught a lesson that day.

"Paul Hall is also a worry, especially as I haven't got a left-back to mark him at present. The lad has been doing well this season, but it won't be easy for them as we have pace and energy in the team."