Alfie Bates: Tough time has helped me at Walsall

The 19-year-old made 21 appearances last year, but did not feature between January 11 and March when the season was curtailed.

He was given a spell out of the side due to a dip in form, but this year he has already made 20 appearances and has impressed.

The young midfielder says the learning curve last year has helped him develop.

“That was tough for me mentally, not to play for so many months,” he said.

“But I took it in my stride and have shown this year that I’ve got a good mentality and I’ll keep working on it.

“I had to keep training hard. Keep listening and keep learning.

“I’ll say it for anyone younger, like Sam Perry who is coming through the ranks and is an unbelievable player – just keep going. Keep working hard and keep training. If you work hard, you’ll get results.

“I’m a confident lad, everyone knows that.

“I want to get on the ball and make things happen and that’s what I’m in the team to do.

“I think I’m showing that.”

Manager Darrell Clarke has always been a fan of Bates, but felt he needed that time out of the team last season.

Now, the academy product has emerged as a regular first team player, keeping experienced professionals Danny Guthrie and Stuart Sinclair out the team.

“He applies himself very well, like all of my players, but for a young lad he applies himself every day in training and works hard.

“He’s a confident lad, a chirpy lad. I quite like that about him.

“He has a bit about him and you need that in this world. He’s a great lad with a great character and good banter. He’s enjoying his football and has played a lot of games for a second year pro. We have good, healthy competition in the middle of the park and he’s always staking his claim.”