Walsall's Jon Whitney's keeping a close eye on Burton Albion and Gillingham clash

Published Nov 6, 2016

Last updated Apr 29, 2016

Boss Jon Whitney admits he will be keeping a close eye when promotion rivals Burton and Gillingham clash tomorrow.

But the interim head coach insists making sure his players are fully prepared for their game against Fleetwood on Monday remains his number one priority.

Walsall, who have secured a place in the League One play-offs, currently trail second-placed Burton by three points heading into the final two games of the season.

A win for Justin Edinburgh's Gills at the Pirelli Stadium tomorrow would substantially boost the Saddlers' hopes of winning promotion automatically.

And Whitney admits it will be impossible not to have an eye on events in Staffordshire.

"I will keep track but we will be training and we will be looking at Fleetwood," he said. "Of course I will keep track, I'd be lying if I said otherwise – but I will just have a look when it is finished and work on my boys."

Whitney believes Walsall's victory over rivals Shrewsbury has put more pressure on Nigel Clough's side.

"Burton are in control on Saturday but it is going to be a really tough game for them," he said.

Gillingham are a very good team. Bradley Dack is a very special player and they have got Cody McDonald up front. They have got goals scorers in their team.

Burton are a very good team as well but it is going to be a bit more nervy for them now. Their week would have been a bit more easier if we had got beat by Shrewsbury.

Suddenly we have put a bit of pressure on and they have got to handle that.

Gillingham need a win as well so its going to be very interesting.

But we cant control that. What we can control is our recovery, getting the players rested and ready to push on for Fleetwood.