Manny Smith has no fears at Walsall

Walsall defender Manny Smith today shrugged off fears over the Saddlers' slump but admitted they must prove the critics wrong again.

The team have lost four of their last five games to slip to 17th in League One, sparking fears they will be dragged into another relegation fight.

And, ahead of Saturday's visit of Carlisle, Smith insisted the Saddlers aren't happy to be dismissed as the division's minnows.

He said: "We want to compete against and beat the big teams, we want to prove we're not here to float around in the league – we want to be recognised.

"It's early doors but we need to start a run, hopefully on Saturday. Everyone wants to play, win and be involved and we've got far too much to go down."