Dean Keates demands more consistency from Walsall

Following back-to-back losses at Luton and Southend, the Saddlers got back on track last weekend when they secured a 3-2 home victory over Wycombe.

Now they are getting ready to host a buoyant Burton side who at the Banks’s Stadium tomorrow, with Nigel Clough’s side on a high having a clinched a place in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup in midweek.

But while a midweek win over Nottingham Forest will have boosted the Brewers confidence, Keates has told his players to focus on themselves.

“Our performances over the last three games have been mixed if I am being honest,” the boss said.

“We were very disappointed after the Luton game, that was probably by far our worst performance of the season.

“Down at Southend, I thought we did well, but our young team got caught out.

“It was pleasing against Wycombe we took our chances, but I am disappointed we conceded two.

“Now it’s Burton and we have to make sure we turn up.

“When we do turn up, we are always a difficult game for the opposition – we have to make sure we are right.

“Burton had a decent result this week in the cup against Nottingham Forest so they will be in a good place as well.

“It was a great result for them against Forest but we will make sure we go about our performance in the right way.”

Keates is set to have a selection dilemma in defence with Jack Fitzwater expected to back tomorrow after recovering from a minor knock.

The Albion loanee had played every minute of every game for the Saddlers until he missed out against The Chairboys.

In his absence, Russell Martin came in for his debut and was arguably Walsall’s man of the match.

And Keates admitted he was pleased with the 32-year-old’s performance.

“He (Martin) was calm, assured, everything I expected from him,” the boss added.

“Considering he hasn’t played a competitive game this season, just a couple of under 23’s games for Norwich behind closed doors, it was a good game for him to come in to.

“We have got competition for places now. We have got two bodies for every single position. Everyone now needs to start fighting for their places.”