Mullen rues concentration lapses

Mullen is down to bare bones because of injuries and suspensions

Walsall boss Jimmy Mullen has said he is growing increasingly frustrated with the late goals his team are conceding.

Tranmere's late winner at Prenton Park was the fifth time the Saddlers have dropped points in the closing stages in the last seven games.

"I get to the stage where I say to myself 'when's the penny going to drop?'" Mullen told BBC WM.

"We've spoken about this many, many times, about concentration levels, and we concede a goal like that."

Mullen was forced to name a substitute's bench that included three teenage outfield players, a 20-year old centre-back and young back-up goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin, after injuries and suspensions took their toll on an already thin squad.

I get to the stage when I say to myself - when's the penny going to drop?

Walsall boss Jimmy Mullen

It meant a recall for former German international winger Marco Reich, days after he had spoken out in the local press about his lack of opportunities with the Saddlers.

"Have you looked at my selection? Have you looked at the players I've got to select from?" Mullen said.

"Marco might think a lot of things about himself, that's his prerogative.

"I picked him today because of the players I haven't got available to me."

Reich and the versatile Chris Palmer are both out of contract at the end of this month and are awaiting new deals.