Walsall's new signing Par Cederqvist has promised to repay Richard Money's faith in him after joining from Norwegian side Raufoss.
Although transfer regulations mean the 26-year-old is unable to play for the League Two outfit until January 1, Cederqvist has already arrived in the Midlands and will spend the next month building up his fitness with a view to challenging for a starting place for the trip to Peterborough United on New Year's Day.
And he has set his sights on making a successful transition to English football as well as helping Walsall secure promotion.
"I am excited to be here," said the Swede. "I have always wanted to play in England and this is an excellent opportunity for me.
"It is good that I have a month to settle down, get my fitness levels up and get to know my new team-mates.
"The season ended for my last club in October, so I will be working hard during the weeks ahead to get my sharpness back and be ready to make my debut."
The deal came about through Money's contacts in Scandinavia as a manager in Cederqvist's homeland. The attacker admitted that while his knowledge about Walsall was sketchy at best, his familiarity with his new manager was a factor in his decision to come to the club.
"The fact that I know Richard Money and he knows all about me will help and is a bonus as I look to settle in," he said.
"I am determined to do well and stay here longer term. I would say that I am a good box player and hopefully I will score plenty of goals to keep the club at the top of the League.
"There were offers for me to stay in Norway and go back to Sweden, but I was keen to come over here and try my luck. Now I want to repay the faith that Walsall have shown in me."
Cederqvist will have to watch from the stands tonight, however, as the Saddlers resume their campaign with a trip to Bury.
Walsall head the table by seven points and will be confident of maintaining that gap at Gigg Lane against opponents who have won just three of their nine home games.
Defender Craig Pead is pushing for a recall to the Saddlers side after serving a three-game suspension, while central defender Anthony Gerrard could also come into the reckoning after overcoming an ankle injury.
Dean Keates, Michael Dobson and Daniel Fox are all expected to come through minor knocks.
Fellow centre-back Allan Picken continues to be ruled out by knee troubles while Darren Wrack faces a fitness test on his troublesome hamstring.
Striker Alex Nicholls has recovered from a broken leg but needs more second-string action before Money will consider the 18-year-old for the senior side.
