Brian Dutton: Jack Nolan needs time to settle in with Walsall

Since signing in January, the 19-year-old made four substitute appearances last season.

He earned his first start in the EFL Trophy clash with Bristol Rovers this year but struggled in the southwest and was subsequently left out of the first two League Two squads.

Nolan had an improved performance when he started against Chelsea Under-21s on Tuesday and Dutton insists he is steadily improving.

“With Jack, you have to remind yourself that he’s a very young lad,” Dutton said.

“We expect a lot from Jack because we think there’s a top player there, but sometimes you can get a little carried away.

“You forget his age, he’s just a baby and he’s come up here to Walsall. This is his first move away, he’s been at Reading which is fairly local to where he lives.

“We’re going to give him a little bit of an opportunity to bed in and allow him to evolve.

“Sometimes with the younger lads you can forget how old they are and the demands we put on them.

“We’ll give Jack time. He’s a great lad and he’ll apply himself and hopefully he’ll get there.”

Speaking after the Harrogate Town draw, manager Darrell Clarke demanded more from Nolan to ensure he makes the match day squad in the league.

“He needs to do better than what he did against Bristol Rovers,” Clarke said.

“He was poor, but he’s working hard on his fitness levels.

“He’s a great kid, great lad and he’s only a second year pro don’t forget.

“He’s only a baby, so get better. Simple as.”