Bristol City youngster Joe Low wants to make a name for himself and gain valuable first-team minutes after joining Walsall on loan until the end of the season.
The central defender, 20, has impressed captaining the Under-21 side and earned his competitive debut for the Robins as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough in November. He then made his first start at home to Lincoln in the Carabao Cup defeat but was taken off at half-time following a difficult 45 minutes.
Low had previous loan spells in the Southern Premier Division South with Dorchester Town, Frome Town and Yate before spending the first half of the 2021-22 season with National League side Eastleigh.
This will be his first regular taste of Football League action in his promising career and a golden opportunity to bolster his experience. Walsall currently occupy ninth in League Two just two points adrift of the play-offs.
Speaking of his move to Michael Flynn's side, Low told Walsall's official site: "I’m really excited to be here.
"I love defending, heading balls, keeping clean sheets, doing my bit for the team, giving the ball to the creative players and let them do their work but obviously, I like to get a few goals in the opposite box myself.
“I want to showcase what I’ve got, really make a name for myself and push on.”
Flynn added on Low's arrival: "Joe is hungry and he’s going to add big competition. He’s six foot five, quick, he’s good on the ball, he’s strong and for a 20-year-old, he’s very aggressive which is not always the case these days.
“It’s a good opportunity to come into a club like Walsall who have got ambitions to finish in the top half of the league.
“I’ve always had an excellent relationship with Bristol City, I’ve had a lot of very good players from them. I’ve got a good relationship with Brian Tinnion, he trusts us to look after their young players. I’m looking forward to seeing him in action.”
With Tomas Kalas set to return to action this month and with Nigel Pearson's desire to bring in a new central defender, Low would have found first-team opportunities difficult to come by.
Striker Sam Bell is wanted by Cheltenham on loan although it's unclear whether Pearson and Brian Tinnion will sanction the move due to first-team commitments. Midfielder Dylan Kadji could also make a temporary switch after making two league and two cup appearances this season.
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