Jon Whitney enjoyed top job at Walsall

Caretaker boss Jon Whitney has thoroughly enjoyed his time in charge of Walsall - as Sean O'Driscoll closes in on the top job at the Banks's Stadium.

Wolverhampton-born O'Driscoll is expected to be announced as the Saddlers' new manager within days, filling the vacancy left following Dean Smith's move to Brentford.

For the past fortnight, caretaker trio John Ward, Neil Cutler and Whitney have been in control of first-team affairs.

The coaches coming through the spell without losing a game. The trio could remain in the charge for Sunday's visit of Port Vale.

While he insisted he knew nothing about O'Driscoll's imminent arrival, Whitney revealed he didn't speak to the board about becoming manager.

He said: "I have not had talks about that role. We have discussed everything because we are a close-knit team, the directors, the chairman, myself. We discuss things every week.

"It's like the Anfield boot room and what is said in that boot room, stays in the boot room. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past few weeks, though.

"It's been a challenge every day and I love being out of my comfort zone. I love grabbing life with both hands and it's a challenge I have grown into.

"I feel I have improved daily and I am learning very quickly."

Whitney is now widely expected to become O'Driscoll's No 2, with Cutler and Ward also staying on the coaching staff.

The physio will also continue in his role as head of Walsall's medical department and will be working hard over the coming days.

He needs to get influential duo Tom Bradshaw and Rico Henry fit for Sunday's League One clash with Port Vale.

The pair missed Tuesday night's FA Cup second-round replay win over Chesterfield with ankle injuries.

Whitney said: "Henry has got a slight ankle knock. It would have been a risk to have played him against Chesterfield.

"If we had played him, we probably would have lost him for Sunday and probably Millwall as well. It was too risky. But he will be available for the weekend.

"Tom is improving. Slowly, but he is improving. We did a scan and it did show some damage to the ankle. But nothing significant.

"It's one of those things where you can't rush him. From my experience if you try to rush a high ankle sprain you can be out for three or four weeks.

"There is a chance he will be available for the weekend but we aren't going to risk him. We'll see how he is Friday-Saturday."

Walsall needed penalties to see off Chesterfield on Tuesday night – a victory that means they will meet Smith's Brentford in the third round.

Romaine Sawyers, Jason Demetriou, George Evans, Milan Lalkovic and Paul Downing all emphatically converted their spot-kicks to secure the win.

But, despite each penalty nestling in the corner, Whitney revealed the team hadn't practiced.

The coach added: "The lads that scored were the first five straight up – we had no hesitation.

"We had about seven or eight who wanted to take one. It was fantastic. The lads have coped well under pressure this year and they deserved it."