Jon Whitney: We'll do Walsall fans proud

Boss Jon Whitney believes his players will make Walsall's fans proud with their performance against Barnsley tonight.

The Saddlers will try to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit when they face Barnsley in the second leg of their League One play-off semi-final.

Both Whitney and supporters were left frustrated following the team's disappointing display at Oakwell on Saturday.

But the interim head coach insists his side will be back to their best for this evening's clash.

Whitney said: "I have been pleased with the response. I judge them all the time. You are always looking for things. They are always being assessed.

"If you have got an acceptance you have got a big problem. But there was a lot of hurt after Saturday. There has to be because if there isn't hurt, you aren't going to change anything.

"They are determined to put on a performance and make the fans proud."

Whitney admits he would love his team to get an early goal tonight but he won't become disheartened if they don't.

He said: "Goals can come at any time and from many different means. The important thing for us to make sure we are creating chances and that we generate some momentum early.

"We need momentum. We can't guarantee goals but I need a performance from the players. We will then see if that turns into goals.

"The players know all they can do is leave everything on the pitch because you can't guarantee goals – you might hit the woodwork six times.

"But let's give it a go and try. Then we'll see what happens at the end of the night."

Whitney told of how he and his coaching staff have been working hard on a game plan to counter-act Barnsley's high pressing game.

He added: "We need to press them back. Of course, they will press but we press as well. But they also go direct. They are not stupid.

"They have got a front two that rotate and work so well together and they put the ball in the right areas.

"They make it difficult for you and they make you defend. They try and limit your space. What we have to do is try and limit their space.

"That is what me and the coaches have been looking at for the past few days."