Jon Whitney: Walsall inspired by Istanbul

Boss Jon Whitney admits Liverpool's historic Champions League comeback against AC Milan has been a source of inspiration as Walsall prepare to face Barnsley.

The Saddlers will try to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit when they face the Tykes tonight in the second leg of their League One play-off semi-final.

Whitney grew up a Liverpool fan and watched back in 2005 as the Reds trailed by three goals at half-time in Istanbul.

But second-half strikes from Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso saw Rafa Benitez's side get themselves level, before winning the trophy on penalties.

Now Whitney wants his players to show the same spirit and produce their own stunning comeback that will be spoken about for years to come.

He said: "I have watched that Liverpool game again in the last few days with my little boy.

"He is a little bit upset we need to score three goals. But I've said Liverpool did it and I've shown him that it can be done.

"It can be done but those Liverpool players believed they could do it. That is the secret.

"Everyone's beliefs are different, you have different levels. But it can be done, because it's been done many, many times. Once you get to 3-1, the tension starts to build.

"They know we had chances to score in the first leg. And they know we are going to have chances again. That is what makes it so intriguing."