Walsall defender Netan Sansara believes it will take time for an Asian footballer to break into the top flight – but it will happen.

The 19-year-old Walsall defender was runner-up to kickboxer Sunny Hira in the Up-and-Coming Sports Personality of the Year at the British Asian Sports Awards last Saturday.

He said: “There are only a handful of us in playing the game but with more and more coming through in to the academies and centre of excellences each year, one day there will be a break in the Premier League. Maybe in five or 10 more years.

“The lack of role models and the lack of Asian people involved in football has a major effect on anyone who is going to break the mould.

“Kids want to see role models out there and when there’s no-one to look up to, I don’t think it spurs them on to be something big in the game.

“The black community had Brendon Batson and Cyrille Regis, who they could look up to and finally they did end up breaking the mould – more black people participate in football.

“But Asian people have not got those role models that black people had. Hopefully now with a few more Asian people getting involved, you will see more players in the Premier League.”

But, despite losing out at the ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, he was delighted to be recognised.

He added: “To be involved was an honour. It was a great night and I was just pleased to be nominated.”