Injuries bite for depleted Saddlers
Injury plagued Walsall will have to call on their youth team at Huddersfield on Saturday if their current crisis continues.
Injury plagued Walsall will have to call on their youth team at Huddersfield on Saturday if their current crisis continues.
Assistant boss John Schofield says they have "every chance" of featuring.
The Saddlers could be missing key trio Dwayne Mattis, Michael Ricketts and Stephen Roberts against the Terriers, while Clayton Ince is a certain absentee.
It means a chance for the youngsters, after 18-year-old midfielder Richard Davies' appearance on the bench in the 2-1 win over Swindon at the weekend.
The likes of Josh Craddock, Sean Geddes and Will Grigg could all come into manager Jimmy Mullen's thinking.
Schofield said: "There is every chance, we will probably be taking a couple with us as we do for away trips. You have to because when they do come with you and they are going to be involved. It is not a brand new experience for them.
"They travel on the bus, get involved in the pre match build up, come out and warm up.
"The likes of Will Grigg warmed up with us on Saturday so it is little bits like getting used to the crowd, what goes on and getting used to different voices in the dressing room – perhaps louder tones which are not used in youth team matches."
With Ishmel Demontagnac having departed last month they are down to just 15 senior players, discounting new goalkeeper Albin Kajtezovic, leaving resources at the Banks's stretched to the limit.
Schofield said: "With the squad we have got, we have to keep making sure we get the chance to rest one or two when we can, but also give experience to the young and up and coming lads.
"We are trying to cover both sides of the equation, give the young lads experience but also not rush the others back."
But Schofield believes the proof whether the youngsters can realise their potential will be when they step on to the pitch.
He said: "First team football is about winning. The reserves, the youth team and the centre of excellence are about developing the players to perform in the first team.
"We are all under the impression they are good enough but until they step up and do it, who knows."