‘Force my hand’ - Lee Grant sets challenge for Walsall defender Harrison Burke

Lee Grant has urged Harrison Burke to keep “forcing his hand” as the Walsall defender continues to fight for his place in the team.

Burke has been limited to appearances in the EFL Trophy over the past two months and has not featured in the league since a brief cameo from the bench during a goalless draw at Exeter City in early September.

The 24-year-old has started just one of his four outings in League Two so far, captaining the team and scoring on that occasion in a 3-2 home victory over Accrington Stanley on August 29.

“We are at that point of the season now where everybody has to fight and challenge, and you have to do that with your performances,” head coach Grant explained.

“I’ve been in the building long enough to have a good grasp on where everybody is at. When opportunities come your way, it really falls on the players to force my hand and to take opportunities.

“I thought Harrison grew steadily into the game [during the EFL Trophy defeat at Leicester on Tuesday] and his performance got better as the night went on. So he can feel really positive about his contribution.”

Burke could potentially have more opportunities over the coming weeks if Ryan Leak’s injury requires a spell on the sidelines. Leak was forced off on the half-hour mark at Leicester, although the nature of his injury has not yet been disclosed.

Meanwhile, Walsall have confirmed that their home fixture against Crawley Town has been rearranged for Saturday, December 5.

The original fixture was scheduled to take place on October 3, but was postponed due to international call-ups in the Crawley camp. That was initially rearranged for Tuesday, December 15, but both clubs have agreed to bring the fixture forward following their respective exits from the FA Cup.