Jon Macken out to end cup agony for Walsall

Jon Macken is out to end Walsall's Cup woes tonight - and demanded the Saddlers improve their shocking knockout record.

The club are desperate for a Wembley trip, having never appeared at the national stadium in their 122-year history.

And with the Johnstone's Paint Trophy representing their best chance of Cup success this season Macken is gunning for tonight's visitors Chesterfield.

The Saddlers have crashed out to Bury and Luton in the Trophy in the last two seasons, and have failed to make it past the second round of any Cup competition since their 1-0 FA Cup win over North-ampton almost three years ago.

But Macken is eyeing his first start after making a goalscoring debut as a late substitute in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Brighton.

And he expects his new club to go all out on the road to Wembley against the Spireites tonight.

"Some teams don't take it so seriously but at the end of the day you get a trip to Wembley," he said.

"I went to watch the final last season between Carlisle and Southampton and it was great. The fans were brilliant.

"It was a great atmosphere, it was packed and it's what you want to achieve. You want to play there and be successful.

"It's a great to play there, not many people appear at Wembley."

Macken played at the Millennium Stadium for Preston in their 3-0 play-off final defeat to Bolton in 2001 but hasn't made a Wembley appearance.

But he expects the Saddlers to be in the right frame of mind to ensure they progress to the second round.

"If you believe it and with everyone going in the right direction you can achieve anything," he said.

Macken has admitted he was concerned for his future following his release from Barnsley.

"It was a little bit frustrating over the summer, not getting a phone call, you get a little bit worried and anxious to hear something and when Walsall came along I wanted to take the chance," he said.

"I always believed there was going to be a call but as time ticks by I was thinking 'the first game is this Saturday, the second game is tonight'.

"I always thought something would come along and I'm glad a club like this came in for me.

"Bradford and Rotherham were interested but it's a case of offers and what is right — little things like that. I came down to Walsall, had a look around the place and decided it was the right thing to do.

"You want to play as high as you can and you want to challenge yourself. This is a good challenge and I'm looking forward to it."

Walsall Boss Chris Hutchings is considering changes tonight — but has to name six of the team who lost in the League at Brighton on Saturday to meet competition rules.

Will Grigg, Jamie Paterson and Sean Geddes are all in contention to start with the boss eager to give his young guns some first team action. Goalkeeper David Bevan is also in the frame for his first appearance.

Steve Jones and Darren Byfield are out injured while Alex Nicholls starts his three-match ban after his red card at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Dwayne Mattis is looking to get one over on his former club after being released by the Saddlers in the summer.

"I was really pleased and surprised when the draw was made," he said. "A few of my team-mates text me to tell me that we'd got Walsall and I've been looking forward to the game ever since.

"Because we're not in the same division, I didn't think I'd be coming back here so soon and it'll be nice to see a few friendly faces.

"I'm sure the banter will be flying as soon as I get into the dressing room.

"I was one of a few lads who left in the summer but I'm sure the likes of Daz (Darren Byfield) and Manny (Smith) will be giving me some good-natured stick! I made some good friends at Walsall and it will be good to see them all again."