Saddlers boss Dean Smith spoke to his club's official website ahead of his side's League One game against Carlisle at the Banks's Stadium tomorrow afternoon, Smith looking to keep on track with another good performance:
"We go into the game on the back of two good performances in our last couple of games. We brought home a great result from Bournemouth last weekend but were disappointed to come out of Tuesday's home game with nothing to show for our efforts. Our attention now turns to bouncing back in the right way against Carlisle United. Greg Abbott has done a fantastic job and they have been up there challenging at the right end of the table for the past few seasons, which is quite an achievement considering the budget that they have to work with up there.
"I watched them against Tottenham recently and they gave a good account of themselves, so we know that it is a tough game in prospect against a well-organised side who have actually done better away from home so far this season. That said, we are looking forward to being able to bounce back in the right way as we have done from each of our defeats this season.
"I've said it many times but the fans can see what we are trying to achieve here and they gave us excellent backing throughout Tuesday's game. Our supporters appreciate effort and trying to play football the right way and they are getting that. Hopefully we will be able to put smiles on their faces at the final whistle on Saturday."
While midfielder Nicky Featherstone commented to the Walsall official website:
“There’s no reason why we can’t go on a four, five or six-game unbeaten run. We’ve got a good mix of youth and experience and have a good attacking five who will create chances. Everyone beats everyone in this League; we’ve got to be at it but all it takes is a few results and you’re back up there. Hopefully that will start on Saturday as we get ourselves back into winning ways.
"I know I have to play well to keep my place in the side. Adam (Chambers) is a very experienced player and he’s a good player to come back in the squad. He wins a lot of tackles and second balls, is good on the ball and is generally a good player to have around. We’ve got to earn the right to keep the shirt but it’s good to have competition for places as it keeps us all alert and focussed.”
In team news for the Saddlers tomorrow they have doubts over the participation of three players, in Adam Chambers, his brother James Chambers and Jimmy Walker. Defender James definitely sidelined for another week or so with a thigh problem, while Adam has just returned to training following two months out with a hamstring problem so he may have to settle for a place on the bench in the game. Finally veteran goalkeeper/coach Walker has been absent recently with a calf injury.
The referee for tomorrow afternoon’s match is Carl Boyeson from Hull and he will be assisted down the lines by David Avent from Northampton and Ken Haycock from Bradford. Meanwhile the fourth official is Andrew Fox from Coventry.