Luke Leahy's quiet praise for Walsall starlet Kory Roberts

With Shaun Donnellan away on international duty, 19-year-old Roberts stepped into the Saddlers’ defence and impressed as Jon Whitney’s side secured a 2-1 win.

It was only the sixth time Roberts has appeared for the Walsall first team with the teenager making his debut at Oxford last season.

And Leahy felt it was important he let the defender know just how well he did against the Pilgrims.

“I wanted to have a word with him (Kory) after the game because I thought he was brilliant,” Leahy said.

“I wanted to give him a bit more encouragement because he is only a young boy but he was winning headers and looked really composed.

“It was nice to congratulate him on his performance because he deserved it. He came in, played in the middle of the back three which has been really tight with Shaun Donnellan.

“But fair play, Kory came straight into the middle of it and was excellent.”

As well being impressed with Roberts, Leahy is also pleased with the impact strikers Tyler Roberts and Dan Aygei have made since joining Walsall on loan.

“We have got plenty of attacking options now,” Leahy said.

“From the Plymouth game we have Tyler coming back into the fold.

“And it’s great to have that strength in depth.

“We have got a real attacking threat and if things aren’t working 60 minutes into a game we have got substitutes who will come on and make a real difference.

“It’s great. And it’s very good for me because I can put crosses in and there is always somebody there to put them away.”

Speaking earlier this week, Whitney also praised the performance of Roberts against Plymouth.

And the boss said he is also delighted with the way fellow centre-back Jon Guthrie has begun life at the Banks’s Stadium following his summer move from Crewe.

“Jon has done very well,” Whitney added.

“He’s a 7 out of 10 every week – a bit like myself when I played!”