'Huge' trio ahead for Walsall league hopes

Flying full-back Jason Demetriou is loving every minute of Walsall's promotion-chasing campaign.

And now the defender has called on his team-mates to put themselves in a commanding position as they enter a season defining few weeks.

Sean O'Driscoll's side continue their quest for the Championship when they head to relegation-threatened Crewe tomorrow.

It's back-to-back games against their main title rivals with Wigan visiting the Banks's next Saturday before a trip to Burton Albion.

"We have got a huge three weeks ahead – starting with Crewe tomorrow and then two top teams," Demetriou said.

"It's massive and it is what football is made for.

"We believe we are good enough to come through it and we are determined to get the rights results.

"It all starts with the Crewe game and the belief in the squad is right up there.

"Saturday can't come quickly enough, we are really looking forward to it."

The Saddlers will be hoping to get back to winning ways at Gresty Road after slipping to a 3-0 loss against Millwall last time out.

O'Driscoll's side have the best away record in England having won nine of their 14 away fixtures in League One. And Demetriou insists the side will travel full of confidence.

"The away record is fantastic and we are determined to get back to winning ways," he said.

"If we had gone in at half-time two or three-nil up against Millwall, I don't think there could have been any questions.

"But losing was disappointing. I was driving home with my dad afterwards and all I could talk about was how disappointed I was.

"We are not used to losing games now and it's so much fun being part of a promotion-chasing side.

"I have not been in a promotion campaign before, so I am excited.

"I'm excited every week to go out and win football matches."

The defeat to Millwall also saw an impressive debut for young goalkeeper Liam Roberts.

And while number one Neil Etheridge is set to return for tomorrow's clash, Demetriou has made sure the youngster knows just how well he did.

"He did really well – for his first game in English football he was excellent," the Cyprus international added. "I know after the game he was a bit disappointed because we had lost.

"So I told him all the boys are proud of him and that he did really well.

"In the first half he had an absolute blinder.

"So I reminded him to take the positives."