Walsall loanee James Baxendale would be happy to win Mansfield Town deal

The 23-year-old scored on his debut on Saturday as Stags beat Stevenage 2-1.

Baxendale has played over 100 games for the Saddlers, but has only started once and made five substitute appearances this season.

Baxendale, who hails from South Yorkshire, told the Express & Star: “On a personal level, my season at Walsall hasn’t really got going. The team is flying. I have been involved every week with the squad.

“But, with Walsall top of the league, there haven’t been too many opportunities for me to stake a claim.”

Asked if he could stay beyond an initial month, Baxendale said: “That is something I’m definitely interested in.

“I’m fairly local and with the position the team are in in the league, it certainly interests me.

“It was a move I was made aware of earlier last week and, when I found out about it, I was keen to get done. I know a few of the lads here so I always keep an eye on the results.

“I know Mitch Rose from when I was at Doncaster and Mal Benning and Craig Westcarr, who were both at Walsall.

“They are all good lads and I spoke to them on the phone, about the club and how it works. They spoke very highly about the team and of the manager.”

Boss Adam Murray has already said he would look at taking Baxendale on a contract is he maintains the form he showed on his debut. Click HERE to read story.