Jon Whitney: Walsall well equipped for quick turnaround

The Saddlers welcome Rotherham to the Banks’s Stadium tomorrow before travelling to take on Plymouth on New Year’s Day.

That will mark the end of a hectic festive schedule that has seen them play four matches in 10 days.

And Whitney has told his players they must rest and eat right if they are going to stand a chance of winning both games.

“We need to be really disciplined over the next few days,” the boss said.

“We have to do all we can to get our mindset right.

“The players have to think about their recovery, they have to think about their sleep patterns and their nutrition.

“Two games in three days is difficult but it is doable. And all the teams are in the same boat.

“I know some teams have bigger squads than us. But if the players do things right – and we’ll do right by them – then we will still be competitive.”

Walsall were beaten 5-1 by the Millers when the two teams met back in September. And Whitney admitted that scoreline is a motivator going into tomorrow’s game.

“It is a motivator,” he said. “Rotherham have started to put a little run of results together. They are unbeaten in four and have won the last two.

“But I still think they are underachieving. They are a big hitter in this league and they are expected to get themselves in the play-offs.

“It will be a test for us but I am confident we will be a stern test for them.”

Walsall will be without Tyler Roberts for tomorrow’s game with the Albion loanee sill struggling with hamstring injury.

Fellow striker Amadou Bakayoko will also serve the final game of this three match suspension.

But Whitney should be able to call on Daniel Agyei – despite the forward being substituted against Bristol Rovers after jarring his back.

Goalkeeper Liam Roberts could also return from injury.

“Agyei stiffened up – he jarred his back against Bristol Rovers but he should be okay,” the boss added.

“Liam also trained yesterday so we’ll asses him to see if he can come back in the squad.”