Sean O'Driscoll: Walsall need to kick on

Walsall boss Sean O'Driscoll has challenged his players to get even better if they want to secure automatic promotion.

The Saddlers head coach believes his side must improve on their points haul from the first half of the campaign to guarantee a place in the Championship.

Last season, runners-up Milton Keynes Dons secured automatic promotion with 91 points while, the year before, Brentford went up with 94.

O'Driscoll has enjoyed a fine first month at the Banks's with five wins from his seven games in charge.

But the Saddlers chief isn't looking back and instead is determined to find ways to improve the team.

He said: "Trust me, in football you never look back. Our results in the second half of the season have to be better than the results from the first half.

"We have got to be aware that doing what we have always done may not get us over the line. We are still trying to understand the tangibles that have made this club successful this season.

"We have identified some and we will be careful not to upset them. Others we are not quite sure of, so it's ongoing.

"We have got to change things we think can improve us and maintain things that have got us where we have got to."

Meanwhile, O'Driscoll has given his reaction after it was confirmed the Saddlers will face Reading in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Royals overcame Huddersfield in a replay on Tuesday night and will now host O'Driscoll's side at the Madejski Stadium on January 30.

Walsall have already beaten Championship sides Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Brentford in cup competitions this season.

But O'Driscoll believes Reading will be the biggest test yet, adding: "The further you go in this cup, beating Championship sides get more difficult."