Saddlers' No.1 O'Donnell is expecting a tough Cup test
Richard O'Donnell expects a far tougher test from Shrewsbury Town this time around – after watching Walsall's FA Cup opponents take on the Premier League's best.
The Saddlers keeper was glued to his television when Shrewsbury, who the Saddlers host for the second year running in the first round, played Premier League leaders Chelsea last week in the Capital One Cup.
Micky Mellon's side were narrowly beaten 2-1 and it left O'Donnell convinced they will pose a serious threat at the Banks's this Saturday. The Saddlers cruised past their Shropshire rivals 3-0 12 months ago and won both league encounters as the Shrews were relegated from League One.
O'Donnell does not anticipate such an easy ride this time around.
"I watched them against Chelsea and they gave it a real good go," said the keeper. "I genuinely think they have a better squad this year than they did last year.
"It's important we address the game right, it is not going to be easy that is for sure.
O'Donnell is keen for the Saddlers to enjoy a strong cup run. It is now eight years since they last reached the third round.
And he anticipates a big game from Saddlers top scorer Tom Bradshaw against his former club.
The 22-year-old has scored seven times already this season.
"I'm sure he'll be running round a little bit more than usual, it's a big occasion for him," he said.
"The main thing from him is his work-rate, which is simply phenomenal."
