Andy Taylor in a scrap to keep Walsall FC spot

Taylor, a regular fixture at left-back for the Saddlers last season, has not featured in the opening two games because of an ankle injury and is again set to miss out for tomorrow's trip to Oldham.

Benning, who at 19 is one of the youngest players in Dean Smith's squad, has impressed the manager.

And Smith admitted 27-year-old Taylor is not guaranteed to immediately regain his place when he is fit.

"Mal's done really well, he's had a really good start and it's going to be a scrap for Andy to get his position back," said Smith. "I think he realises that.

"Mal wants to keep that place and he's playing like he wants to keep it.

"It just shows no matter how experienced you are, if a younger player in your position is doing it then they will keep the shirt and that is what Mal is doing at the moment.

"He has a bright future, I've always said that and I'm glad I've got him on a long-term contract."

Smith believes the Saddlers now have competition for places in almost every position. The centre of midfield is a particularly strong area, with Nicky Featherstone fighting hard to break the current partnership of Adam Chambers and Sam Mantom.

Forward Romaine Sawyers is another pushing for a first-team place after impressing when coming off the bench, while Troy Hewitt is another option for Smith in attack.

Milan Lalkovic and Craig Westcarr have been the preferred pairing in the opening two games.

"Milan and Westy know they have to be at their best to keep their places," added Smith.

"We wanted competition for places and we've got that in pretty much every position at the moment."

* Walsall's game at Shrewsbury Town on December 14 has been switched to a 1pm kick-off, following discussions between the clubs, the local police and the Football League.

* The Saddlers will travel to Premier League Stoke in the second round of the Capital One Cup later this month.