Darrell Clarke: Alfie Bates is example to Walsall kids
Walsall manager Darrell Clarke insists Alfie Bates can be an example to the other young prospects at the club.
After his breakthrough season last year, the 19-year-old midfielder has turned a corner this campaign and become a first team regular – keeping experienced players Danny Guthrie and Stuart Sinclair out of the team.
Bates has impressed in his 25 Saddlers appearances so far this year and with several other youngsters coming through – such as Sam Perry and Jack Nolan – manager Clarke believes they need to handle the pressure and look at Bates as a role model.
"Alfie has made quite a few appearances for a young lad so they can look at that," Clarke said.
"Younger lads have to take their opportunities quicker now, there's a lot of young lads in the game.
"We've picked up an Aston Villa lad. The younger players need to be proactive.
"One or two of them had little opportunities during the season and haven't quite taken it. Then they get another opportunity and they have to make sure they take that.
"Football is a pressure industry and the young lads have to cope with that expectation at an earlier age now.
"In the climate we're in we need them to step up to the plate."
