Jon Whitney is going on the Walsall defensive

The Saddlers return to League One action at Northampton tomorrow after 11 days without a competitive fixture.

Whitney has seen his side concede eight goals in their five league games so far.

But he believes the break arrived at a good time, with the team working extensively on tightening up at the back.

"We know we have created a lot of chances but we also know we have allowed too many to be created against us," Whitney said.

"During the international break we have worked on how to keep out the opposition while still carrying that same attacking threat. At times we have been too open but we've had the time to work and put that right.

"We did the same things in pre-season. But the Bury game, for example, has given us real examples of where things went wrong.

"The players have been able to see it for themselves and that makes it a bit easier to understand.

"We expect to be tighter at Northampton. We have got a personnel that is getting used to playing together now. My aim over the next month is to get a really solid team with some consistency. That will then turn into wins and points."

Northampton boasted one of the best home records in the Football League with the Cobblers going 27 matches unbeaten at Sixfields before a 3-0 loss to Wycombe in the Checkatrade Trophy last month.

But Whitney insists his side travel with the intention of taking maximum points from tomorrow's game and Tuesday's trip to Bristol Rovers.

"We have now got a really good opportunity with the game against Northampton and then Bristol Rovers – our game in hand on Tuesday," he said.

"We want to peg a few sides back and really climb the table. They will be two tough away games that's for sure.

"Northampton are organised and a threat. But we are also a threat and a solid unit. We have game changers in our team.

"We've had a really productive and positive two weeks."