Courtney Clarke backed to go from "strength to strength" at Walsall amid Harrison Burke update

The 22-year-old, who arrived from non-league Eastbourne Borough in the summer, was surprisingly given the nod over Charlie Lakin in midfield in the Saddlers' 2-1 defeat against Barrow. 

Clarke had previously started in draws at Fleetwood Town and Crawley Town respectively and has registered three assists in 13 appearances in League Two.

And Sadler has backed Clarke to consolidate his promising start to life at Bescot, after making back-to-back league starts for the first time.

Courtney Clarke will go 'from strength to strength' at Walsall

"I thought Ryan [Finnigan] did well and Charlie [Lakin] did well. He came on and looked really accomplished in the middle of the park," boss Sadler said.

"That's what we've got. We've got really good opportunities to change things and I like the different options that we've got. 

"It was different this week in terms of Courtney has been coming on and affecting games, which has been a real plus for us. 

"But I thought he affected the game throughout, which was why I was pleased that he started and I was pleased with his performance. 

"I believe he will only go from strength to strength." 

Harrison Burke 'fighting to be back' for Cheltenham

Elsewhere, Harrison Burke missed his second successive game due to a knee injury, as Rico Browne deputised in defence again. 

Burke is fighting to be fit for the trip to Cheltenham Town on Saturday, although Sadler revealed there is no guarantee he will be available.

"He is fighting to be back. I don't know if expect is the right word, but he'll be trying to because of the guy that he is," he added.

"I thought Rico did well. He drove forward well when he had the chance to and did really well."