Will Grigg told to impress for Walsall

Walsall boss Chris Hutchings today urged hot-shot Will Grigg to cash in on his shock starring role.

The frontman is set to lead the line at League One big boys Charlton on Sunday with Reuben Reid and Jon Macken still out injured.

The Saddlers go to the second-placed Addicks rock bottom and the division's lowest scorers with just 17 goals.

Grigg impressed in his first senior start in the 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Torquay two weeks ago and scored on his Northern Ireland Under-21 debut in the 4-0 win over San Marino in September.

And Hutchings believes the 19-year-old has what it takes to make his mark against the former Premier League outfit.

"He deserved a chance and if you're good enough you'll get the chance - if the opportunities arise you have to take them," he said.

"Will is working hard on his game, he has other experienced players ahead of him but he's had a taste of a few games and he's done himself no harm at all.

"He's on the international scene which, at times, hampers him because he could have the opportunity here and is called away so can't start in the first team.

"It's a little frustrating for him but it's great recognition for him and the club."

And Hutchings insisted Grigg's promotion to the starting XI, after Darryl Westlake's elevation last season, proves the Saddlers will give youth a chance.

"It's a good advert for all for the young lads, Jamie Paterson has been on the bench and got on stages at this season," he said.

"Last season Darryl grabbed it with both hands and played more games than what he thought, but he justified that with his performances."

Macken (calf) and Reid (hamstring) are likely to be out against the promotion-chasing Addicks with the Saddlers struggling for firepower after loanee Liam Dickinson returned to Barnsley.

Skipper Darren Byfield is a long-term absentee and has been sidelined for three months with a persistent knee problem.