James Chambers confident in Walsall defence

The Saddlers failed to look secure at the back during the first half of Saturday's 2-1 friendly defeat at Torquay.

But veteran Chambers is convinced they will be in tune by the time the campaign gets under way for real at Port Vale on August 9.

"I'm more than confident in the players we have around us defensively – that does not mean just the defenders but the midfield players and the strikers as well," he said.

"We still have Richard O'Donnell in goal as well who is probably one of the best goalkeepers in our league.

"I think we will eventually be quite strong. Saturday was a pre-season game and, as the saying goes, you probably don't need to read too much into the results and performances at this stage.

"We still have quite a few games and weeks left to get to match sharpness."

With Andy Butler having left for Sheffield United, the backline is missing one of its key components from previous years.

James O'Connor, who Chambers played alongside at Doncaster earlier in his career, has been the Saddlers' one defensive signing this summer and manager Dean Smith has hinted he does not intend to make any more, with his focus very much on improving the forward line.

Positions across the defence would appear to be up for grabs with both O'Connor and Chambers used at centre-back and full-back in pre-season to date.

And Chambers says he is happy to play wherever Smith asks and believes versatility is key.

"Throughout my career I have played in a variety of positions," he said.

"For a small squad like ours it is important to have players who are flexible and can play in different positions.

Walsall's pre-season continues tonight when they visit Skrill Conference side Alfreton Town (kick-off 7.30pm). Forward Jordan Cook, who injured his ankle at Torquay, is set to undergo a scan today to determine the extent of the injury.