Netan Sansara has heaped praise on left-back rival Paul Boertien for becoming his unofficial mentor at Walsall.

The 19-year-old has battled with former Derby man Boertien for the spot this season and wants to oust his rival from the first team – but reserved special praise for the 29-year-old. 

“He is top class and has played in the Premiership,” said the England under-18 international. “I am still a young player and in training. I can only learn off him and try and build the things he does into my game.

“He will openly help me and tell me what needs working on.”

Despite his admiration for Boertien, Sansara will have no problems taking his place now he has completed his three-match suspension.

He has been watching from the sidelines as Saddlers have continued to rise up League One and is relishing the opportunity to return.

“Everyone wants to do a good job for the manager and wants to be playing,” said Sansara.

“I thought Paul was unlucky to come out of the team when I was picked, but that is football and if the manager fancies me he will put me straight back in.

“It is good for the manager to have that competition for places.”

Sansara made his comeback in Walsall reserves’ 2-2 draw with Derby County on Wednesday and is now itching to return to the senior side after doing extra training during his ban.

He said: “I’m glad to be back, playing in the reserves is never the same as first team football but the extra work with John Schofield has paid off.”