Jon Whitney challenges Walsall's kids

The Saddlers development squad ended the 2016/17 campaign celebrating a league and cup double after winning the Central League North West division as well as the Walsall Senior Cup.

Alongside those achievements, academy manager Graham Biggs guided the club's under-18s to a third placed finish in the EFL Youth Alliance North West, four points shy of winners Blackpool.

And after being impressed by the work of both Ward and Biggs, Whitney says it's now up to the Saddlers emerging stars to show they are ready to make their mark on the first team.

"We have invited a lot of the first and second year scholars to train with the first-team players," Whitney said.

"This is part of the process behind the scenes, in getting them used to the environment really.

“They’ve been impressive - I’ve watched many games and Graham has done really well with them.

“The U18s finished third in their league and John Ward has done great with the kids.

“It’s up to them to stake a claim and try to force their way into the first team now.”

Whitney wants to see how the younger players react to the pressure of training with the senior squad – with the likes of Mitch Candlin, Tobias Hayles-Docherty and Mitch Candlin impressing enough to make their full debuts last season.

"I think they need to have a bit of pressure on them,” Whitney added.

"For me it’s about handling that pressure.

"I’m looking to see who has the mindset – not just the physical and technical side – to handle league football."