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Sean O'Driscoll: Rico Henry may not end up a left-back

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Sean O'Driscoll believes Walsall starlet Rico Henry will benefit from some added insurance as he continues his football education.

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One of the big talking points among Saddlers fans has been the decision of the head coach to switch Henry from left-back to left-wing in recent weeks.

That move has meant Milan Lalkovic has been forced to make do with a place on the substitutes' bench with Andy Taylor at left-back.

And O'Driscoll believes it's important the 18-year-old Henry is allowed to develop in front of an experienced defender.

"Like most young players, Henry makes mistakes and I think if you are further forward those mistakes are not so costly," O'Driscoll said. "Further forward he can get his games in and play.

"He likes getting forward, he is bright when he has got the ball.

"I'm not convinced he will end up being a left-back personally. But then I have only had him for a short time. You can play young players in forward positions where a mistake is not so crucial. You can play a young defender or goalkeeper and every mistake unfortunately seems to cost you."

Despite Lalkovic just starting once in Walsall's last four games, O'Driscoll insists the tricky winger is still a big part of his plans.

"When you look at our firepower – Milan is a big part of the equation," he said. "But when you look at it and analyse games, I try to play people where I think they can do well. Milan came in for the Doncaster game because their previous games they played three at the back.

"I thought we could isolate Milan one-on-one with one of their defenders.

"Then they lined up with a back four but he still did really well. He gives you a goal threat from that left-hand side so he is very much part of the squad."

Meanwhile, O'Driscoll confirmed goalkeeper Neil Etheridge is fit for the the trip to Crewe on Saturday, with Tom Bradshaw also likely to be available.