Saddlers urged to kick on at home

Boss Jon Whitney has called on Walsall to back up their vital victory over Gillingham with two strong home performances after telling players: "You can make history."

Tuesday's 2-1 win catapulted the Saddlers back into the heart of the League One automatic promotion race but Whitney, the club's interim boss, insists attentions had already turned to Saturday's visit of Southend to the Banks's on the coach journey home from Priestfield.

That is followed by another home date on Tuesday, when Swindon are the visitors, and Whitney is determined players do not let their intensity drop.

"You have got to get points on the board," he said. "We have done that (at Gillingham) and now we have got to back it up with two home performances.

"There will be ups and downs. I tell the fans, please keep believing because it might be that little bit of positivity that makes the difference.

"Keep believing and get behind the boys this weekend. Let's get the Banks's Stadium packed and see if we can carry the lads – on a crest of a wave – on Saturday."

The Saddlers, who hope to have both defender James O'Connor (calf) and top scorer Tom Bradshaw (groin) back available for Saturday's game, have moved to within five points of second-placed Burton and have a game in hand.

Whitney went on: "I need the players to know they can make history. All the fans went home happy."

"All fans want to see is energy and enthusiasm. Some have said we lack passion but I am not having that.

"We showed against Gillingham what passion and desire is about. If we are going to get promoted that is what you have to do week-in, week-out.

"Tuesday puts us in a great position but we won't get carried away. We looked at Southend on the coach on the way home. It is all about the next game."

O'Connor has not featured since March 19, while Bradshaw missed the trip to Gillingham after being forced out of Saturday's 1-0 defeat Oldham.