39-year-old Walsall-born Keates, who has already seen his side secure their status in the third tier of the English game for at least another season thanks to their midweek draw with Bradford City, admitted that he is keen to see a few of the squad's fringe players in action as he seeks to rebuild the side ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
Dean, who was speaking via the club's official website - Saddlers.co.uk, said; "There are players who haven’t had opportunities in the last few weeks, They’ve been on the bench and not been getting minutes. It’s an opportunity to get them some minutes so I can actually see them in a game situation. It’s OK seeing them Monday to Friday, but without seeing them in a competitive game, it’s hard to judge them."