Walsall youngsters Tobias Hayles-Docherty and Mitch Candlin impressing Joe Edwards

The teenage duo were a shock inclusion in the Saddlers squad that travelled to take on Bradford on Saturday.

But while supporters were surprised to see the two scholars named among the substitutes, Edwards believes the youngsters deserved their place.

"It's a credit to both of them that they were both in the squad for Bradford," he said. "They have trained a few times with us and really impressed us.

"The lads have been talking about them after training and saying how well they have done.

"They are both really well grounded lads and they were not fazed by going to Bradford.

"They have both got really bright futures and, as a group, we hope we can help them along the way."

The trip to Yorkshire was particularly special for Candlin, who was introduced off the bench in the closing stages to make his Walsall debut. And Edwards feels the striker can be proud of the impact he made.

"I thought Mitch was fantastic when he came on," the former Colchester man continued. "He works hard and he seems very composed and comfortable in himself.

"He made his debut in front of 17,000 fans and I thought he looked like a natural so congratulations to him."

Edwards feels both young players can continue to make an impact in the remaining six games of the season.

"Both of them are very composed on the ball," he added.

"Tobias is a winger with great pace so hopefully he will get a chance to show what he can do.

"And they both are eager to learn and take everything on board.

"Mitch is a target man and he's very good in the air.

"Whenever we have trained with him he has been a handful up front.

"He is someone we can play off. Which is maybe something we have been missing this year.

"He has got the physical attributes and a want to do well in the game. He has got that mental strength as well.

"I think, for both of them, the more they train with the us and the more they are involved will only benefit them."