Chris Westwood, who was signed in the summer from Hartlepool United, could be handed his full Walsall debut against Nottingham Forest in Coca-Cola League One at Bescot Stadium tonight.
Westwood, who was born in Dudley, missed the 2-1 victory away to Rotherham United because of a one-game suspension held over from last season, but is now available and eager for a place in Paul Merson's starting line-up.
On the debit side, Steve Staunton, the former Aston Villa and Coventry City defender, completes a twomatch ban. Paul Smith, the midfield player and another summertime arrival, is also likely to be absent as he recovers from groin problems.
Alan Rogers, the Forest defender, is ruled out as he serves the second of a threematch ban.
The Merseysider was sent off during a pre-season game that ruled him out of the victory over Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Jack Lester, the striker who is recovering from cruciate knee ligament problems, is likely to be Forest's only other absentee for the League One title favourites.
David Johnson is hoping his winner against Huddersfield is just the start of things to come under Gary Megson, the former West Bromwich Albion manager.
The Forest striker, who was placed on the transfer list after a disappointing last season, put the seal on a 2-1 triumph over the Terriers with a late goal after Scott Dobie's opener was cancelled out by Pawel Abbott's penalty.
"I've got a lot to prove to myself and other people this season and hopefully this is just the start," Johnson said. "I know I didn't do myself justice last season and I've worked hard during the summer to improve things.
"The manager has given me a clean sheet to show what I can do and it's an opportunity I want to make the most of."
