Walsall striker Alex Nicholls has joined promotion-chasing Nationwide Conference side Burton Albion on an initial one-month loan.

The 19-year-old, who has 13 senior appearances to his name, missed much of last season after sustaining a broken leg in the reserves.

He is yet to make an appearance for the Saddlers first-team in 2006/07 but will go straight into the Brewers squad that travels to Exeter this weekend.

Walsall boss Richard Money said: "Alex is a talented player but I do not feel the time is right to bring him into our first team.

"I am sure he will enjoy getting regular first-team football and a spell away will be beneficial for everyone concerned and we will monitor his progress."