Walsall boss starts an Easter hunt

Walsall boss Dean Smith believes it would be "horrifying" for the Saddlers to blow their Easter survival chance.

Notts County's 1-0 win at Tranmere last night dumped Smith's men back into the League One drop zone and left them one point below the safety line.

They face a season-defining double header against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday and Oldham on Monday in their Great Escape bid.

And Smith admitted the pivotal weekend could hold the key to the Saddlers' survival hopes.

He said: "The Easter weekend, when it comes late, is always a big one and it's bigger for us this season.

"It would be horrifying not to pick up any points and wonderful to pick up six points – there are two extremes.

"The weekend's got every chance of being big. There are games on Friday, I'm going to watch Oldham at Exeter, and some teams will have an extra days' rest – while we play Saturday and Monday.

"Maybe that could help a few sides but I believe the fitness of the team is good."

But, despite last night's result, Smith isn't panicking and has never set the Saddlers a safety target.

He said: "I've never set myself a points target because it changes week to week and you can end up with egg on your face.

"I said Plymouth losing 10 points would change the points tally to stop up and I just think you have to work game to game."

The Walsall boss also confirmed defender Clayton McDonald needs an operation on his dislocated shoulder.

McDonald, who is out for the season, fell awkwardly in Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Brighton and needs to go under the knife to cure the problem.

Smith said: "It's unfortunate for him. He's seen the specialist once and went to see him again last night.

"Jon Whitney has spoken to him but it's disappointing for him because he got back into the team.

"I was gutted for the lad because he's come in and done well against Brentford and he's been waiting a long time for his chance.

"That's how football is sometimes, it can be cruel."

Right-back Aaron Lescott is still out with a knee injury.

Smith added: "Aaron has picked up his rehab but still won't be ready for the weekend."