Jon Whitney: Walsall will be fully fit for league opener

The Saddlers travelled take on the National League champions in their final pre-season clash before the competitive action gets away next weekend.

An uneventful game at Sincil Bank saw Simeon Jackson put Walsall into the ascendancy with a composed finish shortly after half-time.

But the introduction of ex-Saddler Josh Ginnelly saw the tie swing in the Imps favour with the winger crossing for Nathan Arnold and Sean Raggett to score with headers.

Following their friendly with Albion last Wednesday, Whitney opted to start the game with Joe Edwards, Luke Leahy, Nicky Devlin, Flo Cuvelier and Erhun Oztumer on the bench.

And with some of those players carrying niggles, the boss felt that was best ahead of the trip to Bury on Saturday.

“When we booked the Lincoln game we hoped we would be able to play our first choice team,” Whitney said.

“But with the friendly against Albion on Wednesday – the two day turn around was a little bit tight for some of the lads.

“It was a little bit risky and we felt it was right to rest them. James Wilson took a nasty knock on Wednesday.

“Joe Edwards had a nasty kick on his foot. Luke Leahy and Flo Cuvelier both had whacks so we couldn’t really play our strongest team.

“But there are no concerns with any of them. There are no doubts. If the West Brom game had been on Tuesday then more of them would have played.

“We just made the decision to look after a few because they have got a good five weeks pre-season under their belt. They will all be fine for next week.”

With the players who travelled to Lincoln with knocks as good as match fit, James O'Connor is the only senior player who looks set to miss out at Gigg Lane.

And while Whitney was disappointed to have to rest players on Saturday, he still felt the clash against the Imps was a good test for his side.

“It was still a competitive game,” he continued.

“It was really good for some of the younger players to come in and stake a claim.

“There were a few lessons for them to learn. But that is where we are. Callum-Cockerill-Mollett has got to play against a good, physical team who I’m sure will push again this year.

“It was a good run out for Maz (Kouyhar). As an exercise it was very beneficial.

“It was realistic to the tempo we will play against next year. And I’m happy we have come through it unscathed.”