Walsall v Salford: Saddlers looking for fifth straight scalp

Their latest league win away at Crawley has continued the club's resurgence in recent weeks.

Goals from Wes McDonald and Elijah Adebayo meant attacking players got on the scoresheet for the first time since mid-August and eased a number of fan concerns.

But despite picking up four wins on the bounce, after Tuesday's EFL Trophy victory over Southampton U21s, Clarke insists his side can improve as they prepare to welcome an inconsistent Salford side.

"It's pleasing, of course it is, when you're winning games, it's a results business," he said.

"But if you're asking me are we anywhere near the standard that I want to get this club at, which ain't going to happen overnight, the answer is no.

"The fans can see, and I can see, that we have a real good, honest set of players that are giving everything for the shirt - it should be a bare minimum in football, but it's not.

"We want to get better and that sometimes takes a little bit more time and sometimes takes one or two (transfer) windows as well.

"We're not the big hitters of this league so we have to build gradually and sensibly as we do as a football club.

"For the last four games we're pleased with the wins."

Graham Alexander's men have found form hard to come by in their debut season in the Football League, currently languishing in 18th place with two wins in 11 games.

But Clarke expects them to challenge this season despite their indifferent start.

"They're a team like anybody else in this division, it's very fine lines with fine ways to win games," he said.

"They've probably not done it on a consistent basis as they'd like as of yet but I think they'll be a team challenging in the top 10 of this division, no problem.

"You look at the personnel they have in the team and squad, with an experienced manager, In don't think they'll be far away even though they might not be pleased with the start they've had."

Salford have a more unusual back story, rising up the ranks of non-league football due to the investment of the 'Class of 92' footballers from Manchester United.

And Clarke believes the work they've done is a credit to their community.

"Credit to them, massively, five lads there taking on their home town team, pumping the money in, I think it's fantastic for the community of Salford, that's why they did it and it's giving something back to the game," Clarke added.

"A lot of people are critical, I don't really understand that, it's not their money is it, if that's what they want to do with a local town then fair play to them.

"The conference is the hardest league to get out of bar none and to do it the way they did it last year is a massive pat on the back for themselves, the owners and the manager.

"It'll be a tough game, they've got good names in the squad and I'm sure they'll be picking up results sooner rather than later, but hopefully not Saturday."