Mullen likely to stick with youth

Mullen is unlikely to be spending any money in January

Walsall boss Jimmy Mullen has said he has no problem putting his faith in youth while his options are limited by injury and suspension.

Mullen included three teenagers - Richard Davies, William Grigg and Sam Adkins - on the bench at Tranmere and said that is set to continue.

He told BBC WM: "It'll probably be the same again at Carlisle (on Saturday) but I've got full faith in them.

"They're in there on merit and it's brilliant for them."

Mullen is currently without Stephen Hughes, Steve Roberts and Paul Boertien through injury, while striker Michael Ricketts is still serving a two-match ban for his sending off against Stockport on Boxing Day.

Although Mullen knew having to throw so many youngsters into the first team frame was not ideal, he said he was confident they would only benefit from the experience.

Money's very tight, not just here but at every club, but until the window opens we'll have to wait

Walsall boss Jimmy Mullen

"I remember when I was involved in the first team for the first time and it was fantastic," he said.

"When they look back later in their careers they can see it was a great time."

The Saddlers boss also admitted he was unlikely to be spending any money when the transfer window opens.

"Obviously we'll have to wait and see but it's a very, very tight situation," he said.

"There's a (credit) crunch out there and football's no different. Money's very tight, not just here but at every club, but until the window opens we'll have to wait."