Jon Whitney happy Walsall moving in right direction

The Saddlers put back-to-back defeats to Fleetwood and Oldham behind them to secure a 1-1 draw at home to the high-flying Bantams on Saturday.

That result was achieved after Whitney switched to a more traditional 4-4-2 formation in a move that saw top scorer Erhun Oztumer dropped to the bench.

And the boss admitted he was delighted with the energy and application his players showed following the tactical switch.

"Man for man, I thought we outmatched Bradford so credit to the boys because there were some outstanding performances," he said.

"I'm happy with the two banks of four because players know which part of the pitch they should be in, both in and out of possession.

"Bradford are a good side. They put teams under a lot of pressure and they have two wingers who carry the ball really well and two energetic midfielders.

"But the big thing we have been focusing on is shape and making sure we are difficult to beat. We looked really solid and we created some really good chances."

Oztumer has not featured in the Saddlers' last two outings after missing the Checkatrade Trophy defeat to Oldham with a bruised foot. And Whitney says the 25-year-old's attitude is exemplary whether he is in or out of the side.

"Oztumer has been great," the boss added. "He hasn't dropped his head. He fully understands it's a team effort. He didn't play in the Oldham game because he's had a bruised foot.

"But against Bradford I had to go with my gut feeling.

"We had to get legs on the pitch. I needed to try to stretch their back four. We had to stop them coming on to us and that was my idea how to do that.

"But Erhun will be OK. He came off the bench against Bradford and made a big impact.

"We're a team and we've got players, whoever is picked, that will give their all and put a shift in."