Boss lays down gauntlet to Bradley

Walsall manager Jimmy Mullen has laid down the gauntlet to Mark Bradley after he helped Wales U21 to a stunning win.

The young midfielder started as Wales beat Romania 3-0, as they progressed to the UEFA U21 Championship play-offs.

Now Mullen wants the 20-year-old to bring his international experience to League One after a stuttering start to his season.

He said: "I have been with the U19 for many years and it is a great experience for players. There is nothing better.

"Mark has been hit with some niggling injuries on his ankle and not really been 100 per cent until now.

"He came on as a substitute last week and had a taste of international football yesterday. Hopefully it is the kickstart he needs for his season."

Bradley's return to form and fitness on the international stage will only help Mullen, who has now got a fully fit squad to chose from ahead of Saturday's trip to Bristol Rovers.

He still admits they are thin on numbers, something which he could address within the next week after the loan market reopened yesterday.

He said: "I'm doing my homework and keeping things topped up. If anything needs to be done in the next two days or week, we'll certainly be ready.

"It all depends on what is available and whether I like them. From my point of view it is a case of watching players. If he is available and will improve what we have got, we'll look to do something about it."

Pleasing for Mullen is that midfielder Sofiene Zaaboub and defender Rhys Weston came through a reserve game unscathed.

He said: "The most important thing is everyone came through unscathed. Rhys Weston came through 90 minutes, he was a bit tired with ten minutes to go but that is to be expected.

"Sofiene Zaaboub also came through but he got a small knock on his calf."