Sean O'Driscoll: We're not 'little Walsall' now

Walsall boss Sean O'Driscoll has called on his players to think big and shake off their 'little old Walsall' tag.

The new head coach takes Saddlers to Millwall on Boxing Day looking to build on last Sunday's 2-0 victory over Midlands rivals Port Vale.

And O'Driscoll has warned his high-flying team that they will get more respect from opposition from now on, owing to their lofty league status.

"I think the big message we've tried to get across to the players is that people are going to treat you differently now," he said.

"You've not going to get teams come here or when we go away to places and think it's little old Walsall.

"That's something they need to get their heads around pretty quickly because things are going to get more difficult from now on."

O'Driscoll said he was paying the league table no attention – and that being in second place made no difference to him.

"I don't look and I never have done to be honest," he added.

"Whether you're bottom, middle or top I think you have to concentrate on what you can affect so it's one for the players.

"It doesn't do any harm, let's put it like that."

Meanwhile Sunday's two-goal hero Jordan Cook is hoping he can go on a goal run to keep the Saddlers in the promotion positions.

Cook netted his long-awaited first of the season against Shrewsbury earlier this month before netting twice off the bench against Port Vale.

The 25-year-old said: "Goals have been a long time coming for me.

"I started the season quite slowly but I know I can do it in this league. I just needed that little bit of luck with the ball falling in the right spot and me getting in the right place.

"Goals speak volumes as a striker. For me, it's about getting in positions and getting the chances. Hopefully I can continue this run."