Roberts set for Southport move

Walsall goalkeeper Liam Roberts is set to join Southport on loan until January, subject to the completion of paperwork.

The 20-year-old is the second Saddler to join Gary Brabin's side with striker Amadou Bakayoko already at the Merseyrail Community Stadium. Roberts is likely to go straight into the squad for the Vanarama Conference trip to Lincoln on Saturday. Walsall boss Dean Smith said: "I spoke with Gary the other day. They have a number of games and Scunthorpe in the FA Cup and he has been really pleased with Amadou's contribution there and has asked for the goalkeeper as well. "I have Amadou on 24-hour recall so I can bring him back." The pair will also be allowed to play in Southport's FA Cup second-round clash with Scunthorpe next week. Smith said: "It will be very good for them. "The thinking of not letting Amadou play in the first round was we didn't want the awkward one if we drew them." Roberts, who signed a one-year deal in the summer, is yet to make his Walsall debut while Bakayoko, who has scored twice in nine games for Southport, has made nine substitute appearances for the Saddlers. Smith, though, does not expect to bring any players in before Thursday's loan deadline with nine-goal top scorer Tom Bradshaw still carrying a hamstring injury. "I can't forsee any moves, we have five games until the window is open again and if Tom is not fit for Saturday (at Coventry) then I would expect him to be back for the Tranmere game," he added.