Walsall manager Jon Whitney has spoken to club journalists ahead of Saturday's League One clash with Plymouth Argyle, and discussed his reasons for going ahead with the game despite having several first-teamers called up for international duty.
Walsall will be without West Bromwich Albion loanees Shaun Donnellan and Tyler Roberts, who have been called up for international duty with Ireland U21s and Wales U21s respectively.
Academy product Right-back Liam Kinsella is also with the Irish U21s while fellow graduate Callum Cockerill-Mollett has joined their U18s, and Maz Kouhyar is with the Afghanistan national side.
Striker Mitch Candlin, who recently penned a three-year pro deal, is training with England’s U18s at St George’s Park but looks set to be available for selection against the Pilgrims.
Jon, who was speaking via Saddlers.co.uk, he said; "I thought over the last couple of years when we’ve had the international breaks, it’s upset our rhythm quite a lot.
"Sometimes it’s nice to come away from the game but we’re here to play football and it’s an opportunity for some players to stake a claim - not just for starting but for the bench as well.
"You control the controllables. Call-ups are call-ups and having so many young players on the international scene is something we should be proud of. I trust my players and my squad."