Jon Whitney: Let the Checkatrade excitement begin at Walsall
Walsall boss Jon Whitney hopes interest in the controversial Checkatrade Trophy will start to build as his side prepares for the knockout stages.
Changes to the tournament that have seen Premier League and Championship sides enter under-21 teams has led to fans boycotting the competition in their droves.
Walsall, though, have enjoyed success in the competition, with three victories from three seeing them qualify from Northern Group H as winners.
That has seen them gain a home tie in the second round, with Whitney hoping more fans will come out to support his team at the Banks's Stadium.
"It's a competition that has received a lot of negative headlines," the boss said.
"But those of us that were at the game on Tuesday enjoyed it. My players enjoyed playing and I enjoyed watching them. Hopefully the interest will start to build now.
"It's the last 32. We have got a home tie. And Wembley is in sight. My players who played at Leicester have now given me problems for who I pick on Saturday.
"It's a competition that has been good for the confidence of my players and that is good for the team."
Meanwhile, Walsall are continuing to take a look at Derry City defender Patrick McClean who initially joined the club on trial last week. The 19-year-old, the brother of Albion's James McClean,
was part of the Walsall development squad which took on Burton Albion yesterday.
And Whitney admits the youngster has impressed him.
"We invited him over last week and he also trained with us on Monday and Tuesday," the boss added.
"We wanted him to play at Burton to get a look at him in a game.
"He has done well in training. He was wearing T-shirts and shorts. He's a proper defender, he doesn't feel the cold! He is old-school so we will continue to have a look at him."
