James O'Connor pens Walsall contract extension

Walsall defender James O'Connor has signed a one-year contract extension with the League One club.

The 30-year-old joined the Saddlers from Derby County last summer on a 12-month deal.

After missing out on the playoffs during the 2014-15 campaign, O'Connor now hopes that he and his teammates can mount a promotion charge next season.

"I was pleased with my form in the second half of last season," he told the club's official website. "Now I want to kick on from there. And I am happy to get things sorted.

"With a good start to the season and some momentum, I can see no reason whatsoever why we can't be up there challenging during the campaign ahead. There are no real stand-out teams and with the quality we have here, we have to aim as high as we can."

O'Connor scored one goal in 35 appearances for Walsall last season.