Jon Whitney hails Isaiah Osbourne's attitude to fight his way into Walsall's starting XI

The 29-year-old, who came through the ranks at Villa, has endured an injury-ravaged time since signing for the Saddlers in September 2015.

Osbourne missed all of the 2015/16 campaign after picking up a severe knee injury.

And the former Scunthorpe man has only been used fleetingly this season as Whitney continues to juggle his midfield options.

But Osbourne was restored to the side for last week's visit of Oldham in the Checkatrade Trophy. He then capped a man-of-the-match display with a goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Bradford – much to the delight of his manager.

"Ozzy (Osbourne) is in the team because of how he has performed in training," Whitney said. "His response has been excellent.

"When you think back over the past month, there have been times he wasn't even in the squad it was that competitive.

"But he does it the right way, Ozzy. He did really well against Oldham in the Checkatrade Trophy and he forced my hand.

"That's how I want it to be. You get rewarded for performances and work ethic. I'm really pleased for Ozzy, he deserves praise for the hard work he puts in."

Having fallen to back-to-back defeats to Oldham and Fleetwood, Whitney felt his players owed fans a performance when Bradford visited on Saturday.

And the boss was grateful for the support his team received, with Whitney believing fans and players combined to ensure the Saddlers got a point.

"I said to the players before the game – I think we owe the crowd something," the boss continued.

"I wanted them to go out and get the fans off their seats and I think they did that.

"The crowd were fantastic.

"I'd like to thank them because they helped drive us on. The positivity, you could sense it in the ground, it was fantastic.

"The players, understandably, had to lift the crowd but from then on it was a team effort – us and the crowd."

Meanwhile, midfielder George Dobson says he is thoroughly enjoying playing alongside Walsall skipper Adam Chambers.

The West Ham loanee joined the Saddlers in the summer but says he has learnt an lot from the 36-year-old.

"The skip is a great pro," Dobson said. "Everyone knows his influence on the field. But in training and in the gym, every day he does things that are going to keep his body in the shape that it is.

"You can't fault him. He's someone I definitely look up to.

"You have to learn from the experienced players and Adam is someone who always has the time to talk to you.

"He is happy to tell you what you are doing well and what you can do better."

As well as Chambers, Dobson revealed he also looks up to Michael Carrick.

"I really like Carrick," he added. "The way he gets on the ball and starts attacks for Man United, I think he makes them click. When he plays they always seem to dictate the ball.

"That's the sort of player I base myself on and who I would like to be like as the years go on."