The Saddlers remain in the League One relegation zone with just six games remaining, and will take on Oxford, Accrington, Southend, Wycombe, Peterborough and Shrewsbury before the season comes to an end.
Walsall-born Keates, who has seen his side defeated in each of their last four outings, insists he and his squad are fully aware of just how important each and every match now is, even going on to label the next month or so as a 'six-game season'.
Speaking via the club's official website, Dean said; "The lads are well aware of the situation we are in. We have a six-game season with the teams that are down there with us at the moment.
"We have the opportunity to get ourselves out of it but all the other teams will be thinking exactly the same thing. It will be the same in every camp. We have to make sure we look after ourselves.
"Our players need to stand up and be counted. That’s everybody in the group. When they cross that white line, they have to start leading and being big, strong characters.
"It’s going to go down to the wire - there is no doubt about it. We have got a massive game now next week at home against an Oxford side that have picked up a few results recently. We have to make sure we go out and get something for the football club. All being well that is three points."