Matt Preston surprised to sign pro deal at Walsall FC

The central defender has been tied down after excelling for the youth and reserve team and the Saddlers hold an option to extend the deal further.

The 17-year-old follows midfielder Reece Flanagan in committing his future to the club and admitted he didn't see it coming.

He said: "I didn't expect to be offered this deal at this stage, to be honest. I'm very pleased my progress has been rewarded in this way.

"I intend to get my head down and work hard to show people what I can do and move on to the next level in my development.

"I feel I have made great strides over the past few seasons and want to keep making progress. Working under Dean Smith can only benefit me, he's a former centre-back himself and will teach me a lot.

"It's about doing the best I can. There's plenty of inspiration around me with players who have progressed through the ranks here and are now regulars in the first-team.

"The opportunity is there for me and I intend to take it."

Boss Smith has already tied down Flanagan and Malvind Benning this month and snapped up Craig Westcarr until the end of the season yesterday and he expects Preston to make an impact.

Smith said: "Matt has excelled for the under-18s,. He's also done well whenever he's stepped up to the reserves and fully deserves this early reward.

"He has so much potential. He's what I would describe as a proper defender who enjoys keeping the opposition at bay. He can only get better and I look forward to having him under my wing.

"The hard work is only just beginning for him, but I know that he will really knuckle down and give his all."