Saddlers won't rush Julian Gray back into action

Chris Hutchings today insisted he will not rush Walsall star Julian Gray back to action.

The winger has missed the Saddlers' two pre-season friendlies, against Barnsley and Wolves, as he regains his fitness following a late return to the club.

Walsall host Gray's former club Coventry tomorrow (3pm) and, while he could feature, boss Hutchings says he won't risk the 30-year-old if he's not right.

"We've got to be careful with the training he is doing when he joins in with us so it doesn't set him back and hinder his progress," he said.

"He could make the bench as long as he doesn't have set-back.

"He's got a few abdominal strengthening sessions which he's doing. It caused him some problems towards the end of last season which was common knowledge so he's doing all of that work. But hopefully we may be able to get him on the bench."

Hutchings could use his experimental 4-3-3 system against the Sky Blues tomorrow after seeing it in the 4-0 defeat to Wolves on Tuesday.

They host Villa on Tuesday and, regardless of the scorelines, Hutchings says his men will take heart from playing Premier League and Championship sides. You can get confidence by playing against these teams, if you play well it gives you a boost," he said.

And new goalkeeper David Bevan could be set for a start after being an unused substitute against Wolves.

Meanwhile, the middle and upper tiers of the Floors-2-Go stand will be closed for tomorrow's game with Coventry. Fans who have already bought tickets will be allowed seats in the Text64446 Heath Stand.

The Bonser Suit will be open to the public and tickets cost £12 adults, £6 concessions and £15 for a family ticket of one adult and one child. Tickets for the Saddlers' opening home games of the season are also on general sale.

Tickets for the League One matches against MK Dons, Plymouth, Colchester, Swindon, Yeovil, Exeter and Tranmere are available.

Tickets for the Carling Cup first round game against Tranmere on Tuesday, August 10 are also available. Call 01922 651414 or visit www.saddlers.co.uk for more details.