Dean Keates sees Kory Roberts' Walsall future at full-back

The 20-year-old, who has always featured in central defence, was deployed in the role for the Saddlers crucial clash with Northampton last Saturday.

Roberts impressed in the victory against the Cobblers and then retrained his place as Walsall secured their League One status by drawing at Bradford on Tuesday.

And Keates has been impressed with how the Birmingham-born defender has adapted to a new position.

"Kory was outstanding at the weekend and that's why he stayed in the team for Bradford where he also impressed," the boss said.

"It’s something that we will continue to look at in the future.

"If we can smooth a few things out for him, going forward that might be a position for the lad."

Meanwhile, Keates admitted it's a luxury to be able to travel to take on Fleetwood on the final day knowing Walsall are safe from relegation.

The Saddlers could have found themselves needing to draw at Highbury Stadium had they not got a result against Bradford.

And after a tough few months since replacing the sacked Jon Whitney as boss, Keates said it's nice to be travelling to Fylde Coast without fearing the drop,

"If I’m honest, the past few months have been an emotional rollercoaster," the 39-year said.

"We have been up and down. We had the lift after the Bury game. We went to Oldham and picked up a point.

"Then we go in at half-time against Wimbledon 2-0 up and then bang, at full-time we were at rock-bottom.

"It’s had it’s up and downs and if I’m being honest I’m glad it’s over.

"We have got one game left, we will go about it the right way. We will prepare right, we will look at Fleetwood and pinpoint what we think there weaknesses are.

"And we will got there to get three more points. The most important thing though is that we put in a performance to help the fans enjoy their weekend."