Out of Africa, it's Bak to the Banks's for Walsall's Amadou Bakayoko

Snapped up by the Saddlers when he was 16 years old, the talented forward, who is now 20, is really starting to make his mark at the Banks's Stadium.

But Bakayoko's journey into Jon Whitney's side has been far from conventional.

Born in Sierra Leone, the forward left the African country when he was six to move to Holland.

There he was snapped up by a Dutch professional outfit – but just two weeks later he moved with his family to England.

And it wasn't until six years later, when Bakayoko was playing for Football Futures in Kingstanding, Birmingham, that he got another crack at becoming a professional.

"I was born in Sierra Leone but moved to Holland when I was six," the striker said.

"I was with a club called FC Groningen. I was there for about a week or two but then I moved to England.

"It was when I was 16, I was picked up by Walsall. I was playing in Sunday League and four of us were invited for a trial but there was only one scholarship left.

"But (youth coach) Graham Biggs came up to me and said they weren't looking for a striker.

"I said that was fine because I was playing in midfield at the time.

"He told me to do my best. We had two wingers, two defenders and me. So they put me up front and that was the first time I had played there – but I started scoring goals. At the end of the week they offered me the scholarship. It was crazy, I couldn't believe it after they had said they weren't after a striker."

Bakayoko says Biggs and fellow youth coach Neil Woods have both played a major role in helping him become a professional.

"I found it very difficult at first," the youngster continued. "I was 16 at the time. I had been on trial at Villa and Wolves and a lot of the young players were cheeky and very confident.

"But I came here and everyone was more grounded. It took a while to settle. But I found my way.

"Both Graham and Neil have had a massive impact on my career.

"Even now, I speak to them both as often as I can.

"The help they have given me was huge. Graham was here when I was 16 and Neil arrived a little bit later.

"Right from the very start they have spoken to me well, told me the right things and I respect them massively."

Bakayoko is one of a host of players who have come through the Saddlers youth ranks and is now making their mark on the first team.

Kieron Morris, Liam Kinsella, Matt Preston, Reece Flanagan and Rico Henry – who recently left from Brentford – all progressed through the club's youth set-up.

"It's great to be able to see that path to the first team," Bakayoko added.

"Kieron started young as did Rico. And now me, Kins (Kinsella), Reece and Matty are all starting to make our mark.

"It helps training with them every day and seeing them make progress. It makes you think 'if they can do, I can do it.'"