Walsall boss' challenge for O'Keefe
Walsall manager Chris Hutchings has challenged forgotten man Josh O'Keefe to make a case for his inclusion when he gets a reserve run-out.
The midfielder is the only one of the Saddlers' summer signings yet to play this season, following his arrival on a free transfer from Blackburn in July.
But Hutchings insists the 20-year-old, who is on a one-year deal at the Banks's Stadium, has caught the eye in training – but needs to start repeating that form in competitive action.
Now the manager has urged the youngster to prove he is worthy of a promotion to the first-team ranks by delivering for the second string when Macclesfield visit tonight.
The Banks's chief said: "He's still got a lot to learn and there have been a few games where we've highlighted things which he's working on. There's no problem with the training side of things.
"His attitude has been very good and it's a matter of being ready, fit enough, mentally sharp and tough enough that when the opportunity comes you can take it.
"He's very keen to get forward and he has to pick his runs a bit better, but we can highlight bits on every player so it's something he's taking on board and working on in training.
"But when it comes to a Saturday and you don't perform it's a waste of time during the week.
"It's in the games where it really matters."
