Walsall draw up their January transfer window plans

The Saddlers boss was left furious with his side after they slumped to a 4-0 loss at Bradford on Satuday.

Speaking after that defeat, Keates told his players he will move them on if they continue to under-perform.

And he says he has a plan in place if any members of his squad feel their future is elsewhere.

“I have to plan ahead,” the boss said. “As a group, the squad, we deal with things on a game-to-game basis.

“But for me and my staff, on the recruitment side, we have to look further down the line.

“If there is an opportunity to strengthen and we need to bring bodies in, there are things in place.

“We will get to January and have a look at it then. But there will need to be changes.

“Discussions have already happened. I know where we are finance-wise, what we can do and what we can’t do.

“If we want to add bodies then there will opportunities to bring players in.”

Meanwhile, Keates said he can see comparisons between Liam Kinsella and his dad Mark, who played for Walsall between 2004 and 2006.

Kinsella senior enjoyed a glittering playing career that also saw him turn out for Charlton, Villa and Albion.

And Keates feels Kinsella junior, who scored in the FA Cup win over Sunderland, has inherited the same work ethic as his father.

“The one thing you get from Kins is how he applies himself on Saturday is no different to how he is Monday to Friday,” the boss added. “I played with his dad, so I know where he gets it from.

“His dad obviously played at a higher level. It’s one of the characteristics of his family.

“His goal at Sunderland was outstanding and it is something we are encouraging him more to do.”