Liam Dickinson out of FA Cup clash

Walsall manager Chris Hutchings is facing an FA Cup crisis after Liam Dickinson was ruled out of Saturday's do-or-die clash at Fleetwood.

The Barnsley loan signing will not play in the first-round clash at Highbury, because the Tykes don't want him cup-tied.

Question marks now hang over the involvement of Dickinson's Barnsley team-mate Martin Devaney and Albion's Reuben Reid.

Hutchings will be trying to persuade the clubs to let his loan stars play, but Oakwell boss Mark Robins has already put a block on Dickinson.

The player said: "I'm not able to play on Saturday, that's a definite.

"Hopefully I'll be picked for the following Saturday at Bournemouth and we can get a result.

"But it'll be a bit of a break from the league for the players, manager and fans.

"They can take minds off the position and go for a bit of cup glory."

Dickinson's absence does not help Hutchings who brought him in to boost the Saddlers' meagre goal tally of 15, the second worst in League One.

Reid, Walsall's four-goal top scorer, has been benched for the last two games while Devaney's loan runs out on Sunday.

Should Reid and Devaney feature it will be a massive boost to the beleaguered Hutchings, who is in danger of losing his job following 10 defeats from 15 league outings.

The Saddlers are bottom of League One and five points from safety after Tuesday's 3-1 home defeat to Peterborough.

While Dickinson admitted the pressure will be on Walsall, the 25-year-old believes they can thrive because they will be favourites against Blue Square Premier outfit Fleetwood.

He said: "That's what the lads, management and fans think. Walsall are a good club and they are experienced enough to win.

"It does put a bit of extra pressure on you but, in the other light, you are expected to win.

"The lads can be confident and it will boost everyone."

Ryan McGivern, on a season-long loan from Manchester City, is available meaning the Saddlers' defence is likely to remain unchanged despite shipping eight goals in their last three games.

McGivern and striker Will Grigg have also been called up for Northern Ireland's International Challenge Match with Scotland on Wednesday November 17.