Walsall players looking to stake claim in Checkatrade

The Saddlers welcome Mark Robins’s side to the Banks’s Stadium for what is their second match in Northern Group E.

In their opening game against Albion, boss Jon Whitney opted to rotate his squad to give some of his fringe players a chance to impress.

And that was seized by the likes of Kieron Morris and Zeli Ismail who then forced their way into the team for the win at Oxford.

“The Checkatrade Trophy gives us a chance to build some momentum,” Roberts said.

“But it also gives us the chance to rotate the squad a little bit.

“Some lads aren’t getting as many minutes as they would like and this is their chance to put their case forward.

“We have got players who will want to be giving the gaffer a problem for the weekend.

“Hopefully I will be in the squad. It’s up the gaffer whether he’ll give me the nod.

“But we had a good result against Albion and a lot of players then forced their way into the team for the league match at Oxford.

“It’s another derby. But we just have to concentrate on what we do, perform and get the result.”

Roberts was introduced from the bench during Walsall’s defeat at Wigan on Saturday after Mark Gillespie was forced to make way with a head injury.

It was only the second time the 22-year-old has featured for the Saddlers in League One.

But after making impressive stops to deny Sam Morsy and Nick Powell, the promising glovesman was pleased with his contribution.

“There are always going to be a few nerves when you come on,” Roberts continued.

“But I did some work with (coach) Neil Cutler at half-time to make sure I was ready for the second half.

“It was a good experience. Conceding a penalty wasn’t great for my confidence but that is part of football.

“And I was pleased with the saves I did make. I felt confident coming on and throughout the second half.”