George Bowerman urged to fulfil his potential

Boss Dean Smith today urged George Bowerman not to blow his chance after the striker's Walsall bow.

The 19-year-old made his long-awaited Saddlers debut in Tuesday's 3-0 Carling Cup defeat to Middlesbrough.

He signed a six-month deal in the summer after penning his first professional deal last year and now Smith wants the hitman to fulfil his potential.

He said: "It's a big opportunity. I've always said that to him. He's a goalscorer and there will be plenty of chances reserve games for him this season.

"He got a chance, got in the right areas on Tuesday and he got on and didn't do himself any harm so it's his chance."

Bowerman could make the bench for Saturday's trip to Hartlepool but Will Grigg is available again after playing in Northern Ireland Under-21's 4-0 win over the Faroe Islands last night.

But Walsall will be without Adam Chambers who is set to start a three-game ban following his red card against Boro.

The Saddlers opted not to appeal after reviewing the tackle the midfielder will miss Saturday's game, Tuesday's trip to Sheffield United and next weekend's visit of Yeovil.

Anton Peterlin is favourite to replace Chambers after making his debut on Tuesday with Jamie Paterson and Alex Nicholls pushing to start.

And Smith hasn't had any trialists in for training this week due to the Boro game but is still keen to add to his squad before the window closes.

"There are a few positions we're like to strengthen," said Smith, who watched the reserves lose 3-0 at Sunderland in their League Cup final last night. "We know where we're at in terms of the budget we've got and what we've got to work with. There are a few positions where we're not covered enough so we'll look at them."