Boss to rotate his squad...
Jon Whitney says he will utilise his squad for the Saddlers’ Checkatrade Trophy round two tie against Oldham this evening.Walsall qualified for the last 32 after finishing top of Northern Group H with three wins from three, while Stephen Robinson’s Latics came second in their group, taking five points.
League Two Mansfield await the winners in the third round, with the tie to be played the week commencing 9th January 2017.
Whitney is determined to reach the next stage, although after Saturday’s disappointing defeat at Fleetwood, he will also use tonight’s match as an audition for Bradford this weekend.
“We know we have got Mansfield in the next round if we get through, and if we can win these two games then suddenly it’s the quarter-finals,” said Whitney.
“We want to go as far as we can in this competition. It’s the only cup we are in and we want to stay in it. If we play to our potential we know we can win these two games.
“Tonight is a chance as well to have a look at a couple of players, and I’ll pick a team based on some thoughts for the weekend.
“Players are playing for places and this is a chance for them to impress me and my coaches.
“But it’s important I don’t come away from the fact my young players have got us this far. They have won three out of three and I want them to keep playing.
“We also understand now that it’s the last 32, but I also need to try out a few things for the visit of Bradford on Saturday.”