James Chambers: Walsall defend together

While the Saddlers have struggled for goals this season, so have their opponents, with Dean Smith's men boasting the second best defensive record in League One.

Chambers has played a key role with some impressive performances, but the 33-year-old claims credit must go to the whole team.

He said: "We've got some very good defenders here but the way we play we've got a very good structure and shape about the team.

"So whereas most teams might rely on a back four or maybe five with a sitting midfield player, we actually rely on the whole team to defend.

"It's not only the lads at the back or Richard in goal, it's a team effort and I think it's been shown from the work that we do on the training pitch that we are hard to beat and hard to score against.

"Shapes and formations do help but it's about the players in that formation knowing what they are doing.

"Everyone knows what they are doing which obviously leads to us as a unit working well and being able to keep clean sheets and long may it continue."

Chambers has slotted into the centre of defence alongside Paul Downing, taking up the space made vacant by captain Andy Butler's summer exit.

Previously the veteran had played most of his games for the Saddlers at right-back, but is happy in either position.

He said: "It's about positional play. I suppose the role of getting forward from full-back is a bit more exhausting, but they both have their pros and cons."