NEW boss Dean Keates is confident he can earn his first points as Walsall manager at Valley Parade this afternoon.

The Saddlers are four points above the drop zone after losing six out of seven games, including their last four without scoring.

The latest came on Saturday when Keates took charge for the first time as they were beaten 1-0 at home by Portsmouth.

But Keates, who left Wrexham last month to take over after Jon Witney was sacked, believes the fightback can start against City.

He said: “Obviously it’s a quick turnaround for us. Bradford played Thursday night so they have got a couple of days’ recovery on us.

“The lads are disappointed and heads are down but we will pick them up to go to Bradford and, all being well, get some points.

“It’s going to be a tough place to go but everywhere is tough in this division.

“We are in a relegation dog-fight so we have to go there, be as organised as we can be and make sure we are on the front foot.”

Walsall last scored on March 3 when they won 3-0 at Southend but have slumped alarmingly since.