'Best course of action' - Lee Grant addresses Rico Browne's Walsall loan exit

Lee Grant believes Rico Browne heading out on loan is the “best course of action” in order for the Walsall right-back to gain regular game time.

His loan move to National League side Woking was confirmed on Saturday and Browne started on his debut in a 3-2 defeat at Boreham Wood in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round.

Browne has fallen down the pecking order since Grant took charge and has played just 55 minutes across his two league appearances for Walsall this term.

‘The best course of action’ - Grant explains Browne loan exit

“We’ve got to make sure that we’re doing the right thing for everybody individually,” head coach Grant explained.

“As much as I like to have everyone that I can have. If I can have 30 players and select whoever I want whenever I want.

“The law of the jungle doesn’t work like that. If we want to try and be economical with our squad, if we want to try and manoeuvre, and try to get the best out of everybody.

“And also, if we want to try and help people in their own specific journeys. So Rico, for example, is he getting the minutes he wants right now? Probably not.

“Could I guarantee him those minutes at this moment in time? Maybe not. Rico and I had a conversation and if that’s the best course of action then let’s do it.”

Grant has also not ruled out the possibility of Browne featuring in his plans during the second half of the season once his Woking expires in the New Year.

“Let’s just get him out and get some games. I’ll watch every minute of all of his games, keep an eye on him and hope he’ll be ready to have an impact for us in the second half of the season.”