The FA have announced that promising Walsall left winger Ishmel Demontagnac has been called up to the England under 18 squad for their away friendly in Turkey on the 15th November.

The youngster, who has quickly made a favourable impression with Saddlers’ fans, is one of 6 players in the squad who have got first team experience this season, four of whom having done so in the League.

The other name to note is Paul Merson’s summer loan target, Everton striker, James Vaughan.

The Turks will provide very stiff opposition, having given a good account of themselves in the recent under 17 World Championships.

Premiership Loan Link

Meanwhile, ClubCall is again linking us with a loan approach for Birmingham City’s highly rated Neil Killkenny, while Mark Wright is injured.

As Killkenny made his first team debut for Blues at the weekend against Blackburn, this one seems a little unlikely, but you never know.

Sunderland have apparently told Paul Merson that they do not want Joe Murphy cup-tied, so the Saddlers will be left with a problem for the trip to Merthyr Tydfil.

With club product Dean Coleman also cup tied, after playing for Halesowen in a previous round, whilst on loan there, Merson seems to be left with having to play virtually untried Irish youngster Rene Gillmartin in goal, with youth team ‘keeper Luke Tilt as the only back up.

Following the disaster of the first round exit at Slough last season, this will come as a blow, although the Saddlers ought to have more than enough in their locker to deal with the Welsh non league team, no matter how inexperienced the goalkeeper.