Dean Smith aiming to deliver a shock

Boss Dean Smith today warned League One to underestimate his Walsall young guns at their peril.

The Saddlers chief reckons his new-look side can upset the order ahead of their season opener with Doncaster tomorrow. They host relegated Rovers following last weekend's 1-0 Capital One Cup victory over Brentford.

And Smith, who has brought in eight new players including former Manchester United starlet Febian Brandy, believes they could shock the establishment this term.

He said: "If they do underestimate us it could be at their peril. The good thing about playing Brentford was it was against a team in our league so we have already shown we can be competitive.

"Long may that continue. We've got some young players in the squad, which has been very much publicised, but we've got some older players who are guiding them and helping them.

"We've got a strong team ethic and it's coming together nicely. There will be peaks and troughs through the season but it's how we deal with them.

"We've got characters around the club and we hope they can help the young players through it."

And Smith admitted he is desperate to start after a pre-season of wheeling and dealing following the loss of key players Mat Sadler, Emmanuel Ledesma and Alex Nicholls.

He said: "The season fills me with excitement because I'm not going to lie, it's been a tough summer. But it's been an enjoyable one and I'm excited to see how these lads progress.

"It's going to be enjoyable for Richard O'Kelly as well – we've put a lot of hard work in during the summer and hopefully we can start off well."

Smith isn't expecting to add to his ranks before Rovers' visit but is still watching players ahead of trips to Oldham and Notts County next week.

But he is wary of Doncaster's threat with Rovers one of the favourites for promotion following their relegation from the Championship last season.

"They will have something to prove and will give us the first obstacle," said Smith.