Dean Smith: Rico Henry is England class
Teenage star Rico Henry could gain England youth recognition if he maintains the excellent start to his Walsall career, claims manager Dean Smith.
The Saddlers boss has been delighted with the 17-year-old left-back's first two senior performances and thinks Henry could force his way into the England Under-17 set-up.
Smith said: "If there is a better left-back currently playing at England under-17 level, I would be surprised. For such a young lad he has been very impressive, he is such a talented kid.
"If he carries on and keeps up this form then I'm sure he will catch the attention of the national coaches at youth level."
Henry could keep his place for Saturday's trip to Sheffield United, if Andy Taylor fails to recover from a knee injury.
That has kept him out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Area semi-final at Tranmere and last weekend's 3-1 home win over Barnsley.
Taylor's misfortune allowed Henry his big chance and so impressed has Smith been with the youngster, he is in a position where he does not have to rush the senior man back.
The Saddlers boss said: "We have good players in abundance and are in a really strong position.
"We are hoping Andy will be able to take some part in training today but with Rico playing really well he knows he does not have to rush back."
The Blades game kicks off a big festive week for the Saddlers who play three of League One's top five, with a Boxing Day home game with Swindon and a trip to Milton Keynes Dons to follow.
Positive results could push them into the thick of the play-off action, but while the league will take centre stage for now.
The Johnstone's Paint Trophy will be back on the agenda come the New Year, after it was announced the first leg of their Northern Area Final with Preston will take place on Wednesday January 7.
The game will be screened live on Sky Sports, with ticket details to come in the next few days. A date for the second leg is yet to be set.
