Make-or-break for Walsall striker Amadou Bakayoko
Youngster Amadou Bakayoko accepts he faces a make-or-break season after signing a contract extension with Walsall.
The striker has penned a new one-year deal with the Saddlers but will have to overcome a knee injury before he can set his sights on the first team.
Now 20, Bakayoko has been at the club since a 16-year-old but has only appeared 14 times – all as a substitute.
And after coming through the ranks alongside the likes of Rico Henry and Liam Kinsella, the forward admits the time has come for him to make a bigger impact.
"I'm really happy to have signed another year," Bakayoko said.
"It's about getting fit through the summer now because next season is a big season for me.
"There's lots of young players who have been given a chance here.
"I'm in the same age group as Kins (Kinsella) and Rico and I think we really push each other on.
"There are high expectations at this club and I really want to step up and become a big part it." A prolific goal-scorer at youth level, Bakayoko enjoyed a loan spell at Worcester City last season.
"Worcester gave me the chance to play games and score goals which is what I love doing," he said. "I'm looking forward now though. I'm ready to prove myself and really kick on."
