Walsall manager Chris Hutchings admits Alex Nicholls has given him a selection headache ahead of the clash with Southend on Saturday.

The striker marked his first start of the season with the opener in the Saddlers’ 2-1 Carling Cup defeat at Accrington Stanley on Tuesday.

He is now in line to start the opening home game of the season as Hutchings looks to put their last- minute cup exit behind them.

Hutchings said: “It’s a nice headache, because it’s a nice sight when you have strikers who can come on and score goals. He took his goal very well.

“I know he’s a striker, but he did a fantastic job for me wide right last season and we have that option of playing him there.

“There’s no pressure on him – we’re not putting anyone under any undue pressure. It’s just a matter of ‘here’s your chance, go out and show what you can do.’

“We know what he can do, it’s just a matter of keeping people match fit.”