Walsall starlet Sean Geddes has been tipped for a bright future after showing the big clubs a glimpse of what they missed out on.

Geddes marked his first taste of Saddlersaction with the winning goal in the club’s opening pre-season friendly at Bloxwich United last night.

Manchester United, Bolton, Newcastle, West Brom and Birmingham all took a look at the youngster before he was signed up by Walsall in the summer. The 16-year-old penned a one-year deal as an apprentice and will sign professional forms when he is 17.

Geddes has been part of Walsall’s centre of excellence since he was seven, but his rapid progress in the last two years caught the eye of top-flight clubs.

And Saddlers youth development officer Bill Jones is delighted with how Geddes, who bagged the only goal as a second half substitute, is progressing.

Jones, who took charge for last night’s game, said: “He’s got a great attitude, he’s got good passing ability and, as we saw, he can finish. I think a few of the clubs that were looking at him weren’t sure about his size but it’s quality that we’re looking for.

“Paul Taylor sat with his parents and convinced them this was the best place for him to be.”