Jimmy Mullen feels Walsall are blueprint for other clubs to follow – but knows the risk of burnout on his rising stars.

The Saddlers travel to Carlisle tomorrow, subject to the state of the Brunton park pitch during the cold snap, still without injured trio captain Stephen Hughes, Stephen Roberts and Paul Boertien.

Mark Bradley is still doubtful with a back injury and Michael Ricketts serves the final game of his two match ban.

It means Mullen is certain to call on youngsters Will Grigg, Richard Davies and Sam Adkins tomorrow and he believes they are the way forward.

He said: “Historically this club has done fantastically well bringing youngsters through and, at this moment in time, that is the case. They have done it over the years and they will continue to do it. It is the way forward for clubs like ourselves.”

With the transfer window now open Mullen can add to his depleted squad and is wary of asking the kids to do too much too soon.

He said: “When you are in a situation when you have to play one or two, sometimes you can get away with that, with the experience of the other lads but if you had to start three, four or maybe five it is a bit of an ask.

“I have no fear of playing them though.”