Dean Smith backs Walsall's nerve

Manager Dean Smith has backed Walsall to hold their nerve in their titanic survival battle.

The Saddlers go to drop rivals Swindon tomorrow three points above the relegation zone, but with just 10 points separating the bottom six.

A pressure-cooker atmosphere is expected with over 10,000 fans ready to pack the County Ground for the relegation clash - Paul Hart's first game in charge of the Robins.

It is a pivotal day in the League One dogfight with Bristol Rovers also hosting Dagenham.

Smith admitted it will be a battle of nerves and it's up to the Saddlers, who moved out of the drop zone with a 1-0 win over Southampton on Tuesday, to keep cool.

He said: "There will be nerves but they will be no different to the butterflies in the opposition's dressing room - it's about making sure we keep our heads, keep our composure and making sure our performance levels are right.

"I talk about mental strength to a lot of the players and mentally it's a different pressure being where we are compared to the top of the league.

"We have to make sure we're mentally strong enough, not to lose our discipline, keep playing the way we want to and believe in what we're doing."

Smith has taken the Saddlers from the bottom of the table to 20th and survival front-runners in eight weeks.

But the manager insisted he isn't feeling the heat - because he hasn't had time.

He said: "I haven't had time to be nervous. The games have come thick and fast and I've been able to get on with it. Fortunately for me I haven't had to do an awful lot from the sidelines.

"There has been very little coming from me during games because we've done so well."

A win could move the Saddlers six points clear and Smith admitted it would be a stunning turnaround as they were no-hopers when he took over.

He said: "We know it's going to be a tough game and we know what we have to do."