Walsall places are up for grabs – Jon Whitney

The Saddlers host Mark Robins’ side at the Banks’s Stadium in what is their second Northern Group E fixture.

Whitney’s men enter the game on the back of a disappointing 2-0 loss at Wigan on Saturday.

And with the boss planning to rotate his squad tonight, he says players have the chance to force their way into his plans for the derby with Shrewsbury.

“There will definitely be changes from Wigan,” Whitney said.

“We will pick a team that will be competitive. But Wigan has opened up opportunities for people.

“There will be opportunities for some younger players to play and they have now got to fight for a starting place against Shrewsbury. That is what the Checkatrade Trophy is for. It gives players the chance to get match minutes. It also gives me and my coaches the opportunity to try things. We see the competition as a positive and we will use it in a positive way.”

Walsall saw a four match unbeaten run come to an end at the DW Stadium on Saturday.

And Whitney now wants tonight’s game to spark another positive run of results.

“Our form and performances at home this season has been very good and we want that to continue,” the boss added.

“Coventry is another game where you can get back to winning ways and start a run.

“That is what we have to do as a team and as a staff.”

Meanwhile, Walsall youngster Will Shorrock has agreed terms on a deal that keeps him at the club until the end of the season.

The 18-year-old signed a three-month contract back in July and has been rewarded with improved terms after impressing boss Whitney.

“A lot of hard work has gone into it so I’m pleased with the contract,” Shorrock said.

“It gives me a boost of confidence. I started out in pre-season and it came to an end - I got a ‘well done’ and I’ve got my reward - but now the same process starts again.

“The manager has been praising me and he’s credited my attitude more than anything.

“I stay behind after training and do extras - it’s attitude first and ability comes after.

“The manager has been telling me to keep it up and keep my standards high and I’ll work my way into the first team eventually.”