Express & Star

Walsall boss Dean Keates: We believe we can survive

Dean Keates says Walsall’s position in the League One table cannot be ignored – but the boss remains adamant his team will win their battle against relegation.

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Back-to-back defeats to Portsmouth and Sunderland have seen the Saddlers drop into the bottom four with eight games remaining.

Tomorrow they host Barnsley at the Banks’s Stadium in a clash which has been moved to a noon kick-off for live television coverage.

Following the loss to Sunderland last weekend, Keates spoke to his players about the physiological impact of falling into the relegation zone.

But he says Walsall’s recent performances means everyone at the club are confident they will soon be higher in the table.

“We spoke with the players about it on Monday – we had a debrief and a good chat about it,” the boss said.

“It’s a concern being in the bottom four. You’d like to ignore the table but you can’t. It’s the be all and end all come the end of the season so it isn’t being ignored. We know what we are up against and more than believe we will get out of it.

“We are disappointed we have managed to go toe-to-toe with two top sides in the last two games but not pick up any points. We have more than matched them.

“Now it’s Barnsley. They are undefeated since mid-December and have six clean sheets on the bounce.

“They are in good form and are bang up there.

“They will look at it like they are coming to take on a team fourth from bottom. They will be coming to get points.

“It’s going to be a test, it’s going to be a challenge. But it’s a challenge we are looking forward to and one that we will meet head on.”

Walsall have been without Matt Jarvis since the beginning of the month after the winger picked up a minor ankle knock.

But Keates revealed the 32-year-old could be back tomorrow with his squad close to being at full strength.

“We are not far off from having a fully sit squad,” the boss added. “There are just one or two who are carrying slight knocks. But there is nothing to be too concerned about.

“We will see with Jarvs (Jarvis). It’s a niggle with ankle. But all being well it can settle down. If he can come in and play his part I’m sure he will.”