CUVELIER IS KEY TO OUR PROSPECTS – WHITNEY

WALSALL boss Jon Whitney plans to build his team around Florent Cuvelier, after the midfielder signed a one-year contract extension with the club.

Cuvelier joined the Saddlers for a third spell over the summer – having twice previously been on loan at the Banks’s Stadium – and has now agreed a deal to remain with the club until the summer of 2018.

The 24-year-old Belgian has been out with a calf injury since mid-February and is not expected to return to action until April.

But he showed more than enough during his 20 appearances prior to the knock to convince Whitney he will be pivotal to success next season.

“It’s a fantastic signing for us,” said Whitney. “He’s an important player and the run of games he had coincided with us doing really well.

“He was very unfortunate with his injury at Scunthorpe as I felt he was hitting his top form then – and we were seeing the Flo of old from his previous spells with us.

“I was really keen to keep him for next season because he’s the type of person you can build your team around.

“His work ethic is exceptional and his talent is endless. I can see him having a really big season with us next year.”

Cuvelier is yet to score during his third spell at Walsall, but that hasn’t stopped the former Sheffield United man from dreaming big.

“I feel very happy to be staying for another year at this football club,” said Cuvelier. “I love the place and I feel really comfortable here.

“I want to come back as soon as I can this season and try to score a goal.

“I want to perform at my best, work hard, play as many games as I can, get promoted and play in the Championship.”