Brian Dutton: Walsall can be star makers for talent of future

Alfie Bates has impressed since coming into the first team fold last season, while Dutton has given Sam Perry, Tom Leak and Joe Willis league debuts since he took over as manager in February.

Teenager Tyreik Wright has also shone since arriving on-loan from Villa and Dutton believes the Banks's Stadium will be a 'hotbed' for gifted youngsters in the future.

"If you're a young lad with talent, Walsall will be the place for you to ply your trade because you will get opportunities," Dutton said.

"Alfie Bates and Sam Perry are examples of that and other guys will follow in their footsteps.

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else than Walsall if I'm a young, talented footballer.

"Same with Tyreik Wright on loan, we're able to showcase these guys and give them the platform to show the world how good they are.

"You don't often get that. A lot of managers would be reluctant to put youngsters in, especially with the situation we found ourselves in by flirting with relegation, to put it mildly.

"Walsall will be a hotbed of talent and opportunities for young guys. If you're good enough you're old enough."

Perry, in particular, has impressed with some mature performances in the final weeks of the season, resulting in him being awarded with a new contract.

Dutton has once again lauded the teenager for his impact on the side.

He added: "My assistant Mat Sadler said the most important thing about Sam Perry was that he could prolong Sads' career by another three or four seasons.

"That is Sam Perry in a nutshell. He's come into the group and given us that defensive solidity, due to knowing where to go and what to do on the pitch.

"That is a real tall order for a 19-year-old boy in his maiden season in the EFL, without any loans and really limited game-time internally because of the Covid situation.

"To come in and boss it like he has, I can't speak more highly of him. I'm delighted for him."