Jon Whitney: Walsall are buoyant

The Saddlers travel to the Memorial Ground having secured more home victories in 2017 than any other side in League One.

That statistic was achieved thanks to an impressive performance over Plymouth last weekend.

And Whitney says his players are now ready to take their good form on the road.

“There is a good feeling in the group and that has been building since the closing stages of pre-season,” the boss said.

“There is a confidence about the group. They believe in their ability and that we can go out and win every game.

“Bristol Rovers have had an indifferent start. Against Bradford and Peterborough they got beat heavily at home.

“Against Fleetwood they won 3-1 at home. They have got forward players that can really set the place alight.

“They will be really vocal with their home support and they like to play with a real high energy and put you under a lot of pressure.

“But we can go into it with real confidence. It doesn’t matter who we are playing against the lads are buoyant at the moment. I don’t think any team will fancy facing us.”

Whitney has a selection headache for tomorrow’s clash with Shaun Donnellan, Tyler Roberts, Maz Koyhar and Liam Kinsella having all returned from international duty.

Kory Roberts stood out against Plymouth after stepping in at centre-back while Donnellas was away with the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad.

Meanwhile, Ama Bakayoko and debutant Dan Agyei impressed up front while Tyler Roberts was with Wales.

“It’s great to have those options,” Whitney continued.

“Kory has undoubted ability. It’s about when we play him and how we bring him in and out of the side.

“I can see him being a regular in the years to come. How soon that happens depends on him and how well he keeps playing.

“Up front we need options because of the energy we play it.

“Whoever plays up there will tire because we don’t want to gradually work our way into games.

“We want to hit it running and empty those tanks as quickly as we can.”