Walsall boss Lee Grant has 'no defensive concerns' after Newport cup exit

Lee Grant insists he has no defensive concerns in the wake of Walsall’s FA Cup exit at Newport County on the weekend.

The Saddlers registered an impressive seven clean sheets across their opening nine games in all competitions, but have kept just a single shutout in their last nine since.

Grant plays down Walsall defensive concerns

“No, not really, if I’m being honest,” head coach Grant replied when asked he had any concerns defensively.

“Just simply by what I see day-to-day, what I’ve seen from the group, if you look at our body of work up to this point – one of [teams with] the leading clean sheets in the league, one of the least goals conceded in the league.

“So we’re doing lots of things really well.

“But today [in the Newport defeat], absolutely, we look at it and we have to learn and be better, so that’s the challenge for us because we’re back here in a few weeks, and I don’t see that game being a great deal different.”

Centre-back James Connolly was left out of the squad for the trip to South Wales - as Grant made four changes from the previous league victory at Colchester United.

Ryan Leak was recalled to the heart of the defence, but Walsall ultimately succumbed to a first round exit in the competition for the first time in six years.

Connolly absence explained

On the defensive alteration and Connolly’s absence, Grant explained: “As always, choose a squad, choose a team for the game in front of us.

“I had lots of good chats with James before the game about my though process – I won’t obviously share that in all its detail.

“But James has been performing really well, so we’re really happy with where he’s at.

“And of course, he’ll be back available for us over the next couple of games.”