SWINDON Town boss Mark Cooper may need to bring his nutcracker with him on Boxing Day as he aims to break the Walsall defence.

The County Ground boss was full of praise for his counterpart Dean Smith, who he is surprised has not received more recognition for his work with the League One club.

The Saddlers have the leanest defence in the league at the Bescot Stadium having only conceded six goals to date.

Bristol City, Peterborough and Sheffield Unite have all travelled to the Black Country and fail to come away with the three points and Cooper is fully aware of the task in hand.

“They (Walsall) have done really well,” said Cooper. “They had a dodgy start but I think they have picked up really well.

“The manager there has done a brilliant job on limited resources and he is one that I am surprised when jobs come he doesn’t get mentioned for at the moment.

“I think he has done a remarkable job with a real young squad and not a lot of money.”

Cooper will travel with his side on Boxing Day following an early-morning session on Christmas day and will have a full complement to select from with the return of Harry Toffolo to training.

The County Ground chief also revealed that both Massimo Luongo and Yaser Kasim will be available for Sunday’s home tie with Port Vale despite being called up to play for their countries at the Asian Cup.

“We know it is going to be a tough game like every week, but we have to concentrate on what we do and if we play well on the day and our performance is right we’ll get the result,” he said.

“With our quality and the attacking players we have go we have to play like we do and if we play like we do we’ll create chances.

“On the flip side you have to keep it tight at the back because if they do score they are difficult to get back at so it is a fine balance.

“We have to make sure we are secure at one end and a real threat going forward.”