Dean Smith's 'home truths' to Walsall side

Manager Dean Smith and defender James O'Connor predicted a reaction from the Saddlers after a display at Scunthorpe last weekend that Smith described as the worst in the last two years.

And the pair both revealed some frank conversations this week as the injury-hit side target their first League One victory of the season following the 2-1 loss at Glanford Park.

"It was as poorly as we have played in the last two years, but the players work hard and they will bounce back, I have no doubt about that," said Smith.

"I asked questions of them on Monday during a debrief and it's up to them to come up with answers and hopefully they will.

"It's my job to inspire them and hopefully Richard O'Kelly and myself can do that and get the performance we want.

"The players understood on Monday and I got the right responses from them because they knew it wasn't good enough last week.

"We reviewed it and realised there were a few things we needed to do better and will do better.

"It wasn't heated on Monday, but it was heated at half-time – probably as heated as I have been.

"I expect a better performance and I'm sure we will get that."

The Saddlers are without a win in five League One matches after picking up three draws and two defeats.

But O'Connor, who looks set to start at right-back, insists some honest discussions this week will lead to a better performance.

He said: "You try to set standards and we know Saturday wasn't good enough.

"We know that, we have spoken some home truths and now we've got to move on and put it right.

"It wasn't acceptable as a performance and we have a group of lads who are desperate to do well."