Jon Whitney wants Tyler Roberts to stay with Walsall

The 18-year-old, who is on loan from Albion, has enjoyed an outstanding start to life as a Saddler.

As well scoring three goals in six appearances, Roberts has had fans off their seats with a string of eye-catching displays.

Roberts joined the Saddlers last month on a deal that expires in January.

And Whitney would love to keep him for the full campaign.

“I would like to sign him on a three-year-contract but I don’t suppose that is going happen,” the boss joked.

“We did well to get him and Tony Pulis and the Albion staff have been great in allowing him to come to us.

“I think he has stepped up. I watched him on loan at Oxford when he was 17 years old. But I think he has really kicked on from then.

“The ability has always been there. What we have worked on is how he plays in that lone striker role.

“He has got to be able to stretch the defence and when we do break for him to look after the ball.

“But I think his ability is fantastic. We will do whatever we can to keep him but there are a few months to go until January so let’s see what happens.”

Alongside Roberts, Whitney is also delighted with how fellow striker Dan Agyei has settled since his loan move from Burnley.

The 20-year-old came off the bench on Tuesday to net a stunning equaliser in the the draw with Charlton.

Agyei has been named amongst the substitutes in recent weeks after Whitney opted to play with a lone striker.

But the boss has been delighted with his attitude.

“It’s the switch in formation that hasn’t helped Dan,” Whitney added.

“But his attitude has been fantastic. The goal he scored on Tuesday – he has got that in his locker.

“He got that chance and scored it because of his attitude.

“Even when he is on the bench, his head never drops. He just works hard in training.

“And he has really good ability. It was a great goal for him and he deserved it.”