Darren Wrack praises Walsall youngsters for Millwall performances

Jan 7 2008 By Brian Halford, Birmingham Mail

EXPERIENCED midfielder Darren Wrack paid tribute to Alex Nicholls and Troy Deeney after the young strikers found themselves leading the line for Walsall in their FA Cup draw with Millwall.

With Tommy Mooney sidelined by a hamstring strain, the Saddlers also lost Michael Ricketts with a sore thigh before half-time.

That meant Nicholls, just turned 20, and Deeney, 19, were paired up front. And they both gave the Lions' experiencd central defence plenty to think about as Walsall dominated after the break.

"Alex and Troy caused them all sorts of problems in the second half," Wrack said. "We were a bit slow to get going in the first half but at half-time we said the game was there for the taking so let's up the tempo.

"Then Alex went on a great run straight after half-time when he beat everyone bar the goalkeeper, and Troy caused them a lot of problems.

"Those two could have had a couple of goals each and we were throwing balls into their box from here, there and everywhere in the second half so maybe we were a little bit unfortunate not to win.

"Now it will be down to the New Den next week which won't be easy but we have played Millwall three times this season and not lost so we have nothing to fear."

Walsall return to League action tomorrow with a visit to Yeovil. Anthony Gerrard will be available after suspension while manager Richard Money expects Ricketts to be fit.

Mooney remains a doubt while Peter Sweeney will hopefully be through the sickness that has laid him low for a week.

Money was pleased with the input of Martin Brittain, who played 64 minutes as a substitute against Millwall just two days after signing a short-term contract with the Saddlers.

"Martin did well," Money said. "He showed everyone he has got a lovely touch. He did particularly well on the right-hand side and he looks interesting."