Saddlers sweat on pair's fitness

Walsall were today sweating on the fitness of Jimmy Walker and Jon Macken after the veterans' injury scares.

The duo both suffered hamstring strains in last night's 1-0 defeat to Notts County to leave them doubtful for Saturday's trip to Scunthorpe.

The Saddlers are locked on 25 points with the Iron and out of the League One relegation zone on goal difference.

And boss Dean Smith admitted he is waiting to discover the severity of the injuries ahead of the game.

He said: "They are both hamstring strains. Wacka's was early and Jon's was as well. It certainly disrupted us in the first half. It didn't help and I certainly feel we lack a focus when Jon isn't on the pitch.

I don't know how long they will be at the moment.

"They are two big experienced players but players have got to step up and take opportunities and take the mantle they've left because they're injured.

"I know David Grof can, he has done it already, and one of the forwards has to now take up the role Jon Macken has been doing."

Walker, who was honoured for breaking the club's appearance record, was replaced by Grof at the break after Macken limped off with Walsall 1-0 down to Lee Hughes' third-minute winner.

But Smith handed Stoke loanee Florent Cuvelier his debut in the second half as the Saddlers chased an equaliser.

And he admitted the 19-year-old could have forced his way into Saturday's starting XI.

"He's a good player, I stuck with the team who have been unbeaten in the last three games and put some decent performances in but he was always in my mind," said Smith.

"He showed intelligence and brightness when he came on and he lifted us. He definitely could have played his way into the team and that's what I've said to the lads, it can always be the case.

"Players can play themselves out and others can play themselves in."