Walsall player-manager Paul Merson has revealed the pressure he is under to keep the Saddlers in the First Division is easier to handle than the expectations which come with challenging for honours.

Merson, who can boast 21 England caps as well as Championship, Coca Cola Cup, FA Cup, and European Cup Winners' Cup medals, has been charged with steering the third-bottom Saddlers out of the relegation zone.

He said: "People say it's hard at the bottom but I believe it's harder when you're at the top because then you're expected to be winning games week in, week out.

"Being at the bottom of the table isn't the same as being in the pressure cooker at the top.

"People will say Walsall still have a chance of staying up but that's a different kind of pressure to saying Walsall should win at the weekend.

"That's why you have to hold your hands up to the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal because they've developed a mentality which helps them win and win and win."