Smith calls for strong minds

Last Updated: January 25, 2012 8:03pm

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Smith: Players must toughen up

Sky Bet

Walsall manager Dean Smith claimed his players must show more mental resolve if they are avoid another relegation battle.

The Saddlers moved a point clear of the npower League One drop zone following their 13th draw of the season against Carlisle last Saturday.

But Smith has warned his players that they cannot be deterred by comments about the team, calling on them to concentrate on their on-field performances.

He told the Express & Star: "One of the biggest parts of the game is the mental side of it. They've all got the technical, tactical and physical ability but it's the extra percent which is in the head.

"We've just got to concentrate on ourselves and go out to win football games. We keep hearing we're a hard-to-beat team but on Saturday we looked like we were trying not to be beaten rather than trying to win the game.

"We're becoming the draw specialist in the league, but we're certainly hard to beat and no-one wants to play us."