Richard Taundry has backed Walsall’s new breed to succeed as he prepares to tutor them through the summer.

The midfielder has returned to training with the rest of the squad, as the Saddlers started their 2009-10 preparations just 19 days after the League One campaign finished.

Taundry was one of the more senior players who started their maintenance training, where the squad will keep up their fitness before returning full-time on July 2.

The 20-year-old made 40 appearances last year and is prepared to nurture new professionals Will Grigg, Darryl Westlake and Sam Adkins.

He said: “I’ve already spoken to them about being a professional and told them to just do the same as what I did, get your head down and work as hard as you can.

“It will be tough but I think they can cope and can do what they need to do.

“It’s always been the same at Walsall, we haven’t got any fears about playing young players and when they get the chance they need to take it.”

Taundry believes himself, Alex Nicholls and Mark Bradley are ideal players to guide the youngsters – because their memories of breaking through are still fresh.

He added: “I think they find it easier to talk to some of the younger players like me, Alex and Mark so maybe they do see us as mentors.”