Manny Smith backs Walsall survival

Manny Smith has insisted Walsall can pull of a shock great escape – but cannot afford to slip-up.

The 22-year-old defender has targeted an unbeaten finish to the League One season which could save the Saddlers' skins.

They are fourth bottom, ahead of Saturday's visit of Hartlepool, and have lost once in five games – although have only won once in the same period.

And Smith admitted the Saddlers must become invincible to seal their safety.

He said: "I think we've got enough about us, but we know we've got to get something from every game.

"We can't go to places and lose. We have to go out looking for three points but if we get one it could be the point that keeps us up at the end of the season.

"It is enjoyable. If we go to games and don't enjoy it then bad things happen. If we go in with a smile on our faces then good things happen for us.

"There are still games left and everyone is fit now and the belief is there."

Manager Dean Smith this week urged his men to up their game following Saturday's 1-1 draw at Yeovil and his centre-back had echoed the manager.

Smith said: "We think we can get more than enough points. In this league anyone can beat anyone, as we showed when we beat Southampton the other day.

"Anything can happen in these games and there is belief in the changing rooms that we've got a good enough squad and we can get enough from the games.

"We've got to dig deep as a group, help each other on the pitch and pull together. We have been working hard in training and in the games.

"Everyone helped each other out in the last 15 minutes on Saturday when things were tough."

Smith, who replaced Oliver Lancashire at half-time on Saturday, hasn't started since the 2-1 defeat at Exeter in January and admitted his time out has helped him reflect on an inconsistent season.

He said: "It has been difficult but sometimes you do need to take a step back and rest yourself.

"Sometimes you don't perform as well as you can and you have to take a step out and see exactly what is going on."