Mixed feelings for Westlake

Darryl Westlake admits he has mixed emotions at being awarded his first professional contract with Walsall.

The right-back was handed a one-year deal, with a one-year option, along with Sam Adkins and Will Grigg, after impressing Saddlers boss Chris Hutchings.

But the trio were the only three of their year group kept on and Westlake admits it is difficult to see friends let go, with close pal Mark Lowe among those released.

"Most of them had been told before; we all thought Mark was going to get one but he didn't," he said.

"I was devastated for him. I used to come in with Mark every day and he's one of my closest friends.

"But it's football and you've got to get on with it."

But the 18-year-old cannot hide his delight as he starts a new chapter in his career.

"I've dreamt of being a professional footballer so it means the world to me. None of us knew who was going to get one so I was shocked." he said.

The trio have been travelling and training with the senior squad for months, with Grigg and Adkins having already made their debuts this season.

l Saddlers' reserves lost 2-0 at home to Shrewsbury last night. They included in their line-up Albion men Seb Lake-Gaskin and Zak Martin, who will be released from The Hawthorns at the end of the season.