Tobias Hayles-Docherty targeting first-team place at Walsall

The 18-year-old featured in a number of Saddlers squads towards the end of the 2016/17 campaign ­— with boss Jon Whitney handing his debut against Port Vale.

A scholar at the time, Hayles-Docherty put pen to paper of his first professional contract this week.

And he is now determined to kick on and earn more first-team appearances next year.

“I want to be in and around the first team as much as I can,” Hayles-Docherty said.

“I want to play games and try to help the team.

“I feel like I bring something different.

“So whenever the gaffer says, I’ll be ready.

“He (Whitney) has said I’m his sort of player.

“He said in games to go out there, express myself and play with freedom, just do what I do.

“It makes me feel confident that he believes in me.”

After being introduced as a substitute against Port Vale, Hayles-Docherty’s first touch saw him going on mazy run into the box.

And the youngster admits he thoroughly enjoyed his first taste of League One action.

“I was shocked when I was told I was going on,” he continued.

“I was a bit nervous and I wanted to take everything in.

“But the run was crazy. I just remember running down with all the fans going ‘woah’ - they were making a lot of noise.”