Walsall back Sam Hornby amid Tommy Simkin international call-up

Hornby was given the nod over Tommy Simkin between the sticks at Hayes Lane for only his second league start for the Saddlers, and his first since a 1-0 defeat at MK Dons on September 7. 

The 30-year-old is poised to start against Gillingham at the Priestfield Stadium on Saturday, after Walsall opted not to request for the fixture to be postponed despite five international call-ups within the current squad. 

First-choice goalkeeper Simkin is among those on international duty after he was named in Lee Carsley's 25-man squad for England under-21s last week. 

Sadler said: "Sam trains unbelievably well every day. We're also aware that with the Gillingham game going ahead, we wanted to give Sam the best opportunity of maybe not feeling too cold going into that game. 

"Tommy has been outstanding this season. He is an incredible goalkeeper and we're very lucky to have him but we're also lucky to have Sam. 

"That was part of the reason (why Hornby started at Bromley). I knew he'd be very robust from some of their set play stuff as well so that went into the decision-making too." 

Liam Gordon has been called up again by Guyana and Manchester United loanee Ethan Wheatley has been included in the latest England under-19 squad. 

David Okagbue and Stoke City loanee Darius Lipsiuc will team up with Republic of Ireland under-21s, while Ronan Maher, who is on loan at Tamworth, will also join the pair in their training camp in Spain.

Hornby, who joined Walsall after a successful trial last summer, has made eight appearances for the club in all competitions, keeping two clean sheets.