Walsall boss Chris Hutchings has spoken of his admiration for novice boss Roberto Di Matteo as he prepares to take his side to MK Dons.

The Saddlers chief has been impressed with what Di Matteo has achieved in his first managerial job, with the former Italian international guiding his side into the play-offs following his appointment last July.

The Stadium MK boss still hold hopes of automatic promotion and sit four points behind second-placed Peterborough with a game in hand.

Hutchings said: “Obviously he has gone to a successful club, which helps, and they have carried on this season.

“He obviously has a decent chairman who backs him and they have a nice new ground, with decent support.

“I think they have done a great job and a credit to him. It was probably difficult going in for his first real managerial job but he has taken to it like a duck to water.

“They are a good side and I think Di Matteo has done an excellent job. He wants to play football and if we can play anything like we did in the first 40 minutes against Huddersfield, it should be a good game.”

The Dons have won their last four games – while the Saddlers have won just three of their last 11 matches – leaving the hosts overwhelming favourites.

Only long-term absentee Stephen Roberts, who has had an operation on his back, is missing for Saddlers.

Defender Rhys Weston has recovered from the groin strain he picked up in last week’s 3-2 defeat at home to Huddersfield, while goalkeeper Clayton Ince and midfielder Dwayne Mattis are available following a midweek run out in the reserves.