Walsall's battle to loan young stars

Walsall boss Chris Hutchings has admitted he is fighting to convince the Premier League's big hitters to loan their young stars.

The manager reckons the Banks's Stadium is the best place for the country's youngsters as he tries to plug the gap left by Troy Deeney's switch to Watford.

Hutchings, who takes the Saddlers to Brentford tomorrow, wants two or three players but is finding it tough to persuade top flight teams to let their kids out.

He said: "A lot of Premier League clubs don't want their players come to a League One or Two club. They'd rather their players go to the Championship.

"If they come here they will play. What do you want, experience from sitting on the bench or playing?

"I would say that we're the best option and a lot of clubs in League One would, because players are likely to get minutes on the pitch.

"We're looking to get players in to play them, whether it be for a month, until January or for the season.

"But if they don't grasp the opportunity we will look at other options."

Hutchings, who has a fully fit squad to choose from tomorrow, believes players would benefit from the physical nature of League One.

He said: "Sometimes you can get lost in reserve team football, it's not cut-throat because you're at a club, in the reserves and not going to feature in the first team.

"That becomes a little disheartening but when you come on loan and you play in front of crowds and it really matters.

"It's a different mentality, it's about winning and not just having a game of football."

Hutchings has signed Ryan McGivern on a season-long loan from Manchester City and believes while players would gain experience his priority is building a successful team.

He added: "It's an opportunity for them and all we can do is put them in the shop window to progress and better their career but we want to be successful first."