Barrow v Walsall: Saddlers skipper James Clarke wants to make every minute count

The 30-year-old and his centre-back partner Dan Scarr have both played 90 minutes in nine out of 10 games in all competitions this season.

Despite the hectic schedule of Saturday and Tuesday league games, the pair have been a mainstay in the starting XI at the heart of defence.

With the schedule not relenting in the coming weeks, Clarke believes the duo are capable of handling it as they prepare to face Barrow.

“I’m sure Scarrsy will say the same, I’d like to play every game,” the captain said.

“But if I apply myself properly and Scarrsy does to then there’s no reason why we can’t (play every game).

“We’ll rest up and come in fresh ready to work on the plan. Put this game (Bradford) to bed, work on the next one and take each game as it comes.”

Walsall come into the game unbeaten while Barrow enter having yet to win in the league this season.

Despite that, Clarke is expecting a stern test from a side desperate to get points on the board.

“Especially the top teams in the conference, I don’t think there’s too much difference from that to League Two,” he added.

“Their first year in the league they tend to do well but they’ve obviously built really good squads, both of them.

“Hopefully we can do the job at the weekend.”

When asked how they will approach two long trips to Bradford and Barrow within a week, Clarke added: “Everyone will be faced with that in the league and it’s just about doing things properly.

“The gaffer is massive on it and we have the other staff that all help out to make sure our bodies are ready.

“But it comes down to us and how we apply ourselves and we’re showing that we still have the legs and energy to keep going.”

Meanwhile, manager Darrell Clarke believes his side is ‘growing’ following their 1-1 draw with Bradford on Tuesday night.

When asked how he will approach tomorrow’s fixture, he said: “It’s the same approach, we reset and go again.

“It’ll be a tough game, they’re all tough games in this division.

“We’re all preparing for this mammoth task that we keep going on about and Barrow drew 3-3 with Bolton – so we go their full of confidence.

“It’s a frustrating dressing room because we haven’t held on for the three points (against Bradford) but I personally think we’re growing as a team.

“We’ll need to freshen it up on Saturday for another long trip. Everyone is ready, everyone’s training hard and working hard.”

The Saddlers are travelling to Cumbria today and staying over in a hotel ahead of tomorrow’s clash and Clarke has thanked the club’s hierarchy for allowing them to do so and prepare for the game as well as possible.

“We’ll look after the lads and I’ll pick a team that will give their best for Walsall Football Club, as I try and pick out every time,” Clarke said. “We’ll do that long trip to Barrow and with money being very, very tight at the football club, we’re thankful to the board for scraping some money together for us to have an overnight stay.

“It’s a long way and we’re going to try and do it right and as professionally as we possibly can, so fair play to those guys.”

Clarke will be facing a selection dilemma for the trip to Barrow, with the home side in poor form.

The manager will have to weigh up whether to launch a full-scale attack on the struggling side or play a solid defensive side to take control of the ball.

Despite George Nurse impressing in recent weeks, Zak Jules could come into the side to allow Nurse a rest.

In midfield, Liam Kinsella will likely keep his place and the spot next to him is up for grabs between Danny Guthrie, Alfie Bates and Stuart Sinclair – with the latter having not featured against Bradford, as an unused substitute.