Express & Star

Mat Sadler following Walsall youngster's development "very closely" amid lack of game time

Mat Sadler insists he is watching Ronan Maher's development "very closely" following his lack of minutes in League Two this term.

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Maher has started all five games for Walsall in cup competitions but has not starred in the league since back-to-back cameos from the bench at Swindon Town and Tranmere Rovers in August. 

Sadler pointed to the EFL Trophy fixture against Shrewsbury Town (Nov 12) as a possible opportunity for the teenager but acknowledged that he's mindful of him getting the minutes he needs. 

He said: "Right now I'm watching that really closely. I know I've got the EFL Trophy games coming up which is useful. 

"At the start of the season it was probably a little bit easier especially with the cup runs that we had. 

"There was a lot more opportunity to make sure that everyone was playing every week basically. The likes of Ronan, Evan and now we've got Oisin, Donervon and Reyes who we need to get playing. 

"We're very lucky to have the options that we've got but clearly I'm desperate for them to move forward. So they've got train really hard and give themselves the best chance of being ready for when their chance comes. 

"But I'm watching it very closely especially with Ronan because it's not lost on me at all. I want to really make sure that he gets the minutes that he needs to get."