Josh Ginnelly's impact delights Jon Whitney at Walsall

The 19-year-old joined the Saddlers on loan from Burnley in the summer but struggled for game time throughout August and September.

The past six weeks have been much more fruitful for the talented youngster though, with Ginnelly starring in the Checkatrade Trophy wins over Sheffield United and Leicester.

Those performances saw the Coventry-born star rewarded with his first League One start at MK Dons – with Ginnelly repaying Whitney's faith with a man-of-the-match display.

And the boss admits he is delighted with how the former Shrewsbury youngster is developing.

"He has done really well and is now starting to realise who Josh Ginnelly is," Whitney said. "Against MK Dons, his work for the team was great. His coping strategies have improved 10-fold.

"His delivery was fantastic and every time he got on the ball he looked like he was going to create a chance.

"His ball for Scott Laird's goal was excellent. He is enjoying his football and I enjoy watching him."

Whitney believes Ginnelly, along with the Walsall's other young players, are now beginning to understand what is required to be a League One player.

"Josh was my man of the match against Leicester and showed some good glimpses against Macclesfield in the FA Cup as well," the boss continued.

"He has combined really well with Jason McCarthy down the right.

"He is keeping his shape a lot better and is a real threat in that wide area.

"I've told him to go out and enjoy being a professional footballer.

"That is what I say to all of them and they are starting to understand now.

"We take risks. We are brave on the ball. But we also have a hell of work ethic as we showed by limiting MK Dons to just a few chances.

"They all now understand that if they work hard they will reap the rewards."