Saddlers ready to unleash George Bowerman

Striker George Bowerman is on standby for his first start of the season to help Walsall's bid for an early-season double over Brentford tomorrow.

The Saddlers tackle the Bees at The Banks's Stadium again just three weeks after eliminating their League One rivals from the Capital One Cup.

The Sedgley-born 20-year-old, another product of the club's youth recruitment programme, has made three appearances off the subs' bench this season – although that hasn't stopped him getting off the mark with a point-saving goal in last week's draw at Oldham.

But now manager Dean Smith is pondering utilising a dual strike force for the Brentford clash as he continues to urge his young Saddlers side to take the initiative.

Smith has to make a change because of the hamstring injury which is likely to keep Adam Chambers out of midfield action for another fortnight.

"Adam has started the season well and has been an important player for us, so it is a blow to lose him for a spell," said Smith.

"But it's an opportunity for others and we have options. We could go with James Baxendale in midfield or we could take the opportunity to play two up top and give George his chance to start.

"He's been looking sharp and is eager for his chance there's no doubt about that. We'll have a look at one or two things in training and I'll be thinking about that."

Smith will be cautioning his team to prepare for a stronger challenge from Brentford this time. They hit form last week with a 5-1 romp against Crewe and have further strengthened by signing Premier League youngsters Jake Bidwell and Tom Adeyemi on loan from Everton and Norwich.