Walsall-born Keates, who has seen his side rise to seventh in the table, just one point below the Play-Off's and eight off top spot, is determined to remain focused on achieveing safety and not wiling to consider any of the other possibilities until that is secured.
Speaking via the Express & Star, Dean said; "I look at the table, I was like that as a player and after the game at Bristol Rovers we are now a quarter of the season in. It is starting to take shape.
"But for us, it’s always been a case of getting to 52 points as quickly as we can. Things have gone well so far and expectations have been raised. But all that means is we have to keep lifting our standards.
"That’s myself and my staff as well as my players. It’s about getting to 52 points as quickly as we can and then we can reassess from there."
Keates, who enjoyed a twenty-year playing career before going into management, believes that the league hasn't changed too much since his playing days, and also thinks that there won't be one standout side as so many teams are capable of rising to the top.
He continued; "It was a long time ago I played. It is more technical now I would say but it is very similar. And if I’m honest, I don’t think there will be a standout team this season.
"It is all going to come down to who is the most consistent team."