Saddlers star in their own movies

Walsall's stars are the leads in their own home movies – but are unlikely to break out the popcorn and ice cream.

The squad are taking home DVDs of their recent performances in a bid to improve their game but, rather than relaxing in front of the TV, it is strictly work.

They host Bristol Rovers tomorrow, looking to arrest a slide which has left them 13th in League One following seven games without a win.

Midfielder Richard Taundry insists the team make sure they do their homework and not just hit fast forward.

He said: "Some of the lads take DVDs home and have a look at their own game. When we came in on Monday we had a look at the Gillingham game to see where we were going right and wrong, then we try and correct it in training.

"I do it myself, when I'm playing! We've been looking at the last few DVDs of the games and we've been happy with how we've come back from not playing because of the weather. We have given a good account of ourselves."

This week's episode would have been good viewing for Taundry after he impressed in the 1-1 draw with Charlton – his first start since being sidelined with a hamstring injury in October and his 50th competitive one for the Saddlers.

The 20-year-old returned to the side at Mark Bradley's expense and hopes to nail down a settled spot, after playing in five different positions last season.

He said: "Last year I played all over the place and I've had a little word with the gaffer this year, so hopefully I can find a more permanent role somewhere. The way it's looking it'll be in the middle, I enjoyed playing there and I'll see what the gaffer thinks."

Taundry is hoping to build on the performance against the Pirates tomorrow, after blowing away the cobwebs following his lengthy lay-off.

He said: "It's the longest I've played since Wycombe in October and I'd only played two 90 minutes for reserves, so it was great to be playing.

"I thought I settled down early on but, at times there were things I should have done better, hopefully I can correct that and be even better.

"I wouldn't say I timed it well, I would have liked to have been back a long time ago, but it's great to be back when there's such a good run of games and I'm delighted."

But the former trainee knows Bradley wants his place back and is ready for the fight to keep his pal out of the side.

Taundry said: "Mark was starting before and I had to work my way back into the team. I'm sure 'Bradders' will be devastated, but he's the sort of lad to push on so I have to keep my guard up."

The Saddlers go into the clash taking heart from their point against the high-flying Addicks but Taundry insists that sort of resolve needs to be displayed on a regular basis.

He said: "They are the two biggest teams, so it's good to get performances in. We need to get about the smaller teams to push on in the league, but at the moment we seem to be producing the goods against the more well known sides."

Walsall striker Troy Deeney serves a one-match ban after his red card against Charlton, while Rhys Weston is also out after limping out of Tuesday night's draw with a hamstring injury.

Manny Smith should recover from his thigh strain, but skipper Mark Hughes is likely to remain on the bench.

But Taundry recognises the loss of 10-goal Deeney will hit the Saddlers hard, although the midfielder has backed Alex Nicholls or Sam Parkin to step up to the plate.

He said: "It's a massive loss, this season he's come on leaps and bounds and he'll be a great loss but we've got Parky and Nics who can do the job.

"Hopefully we can produce without him."