Young Walsall defender Darryl Westlake has revealed his pride following his opening week as a first-team player.

The 18-year-old could make his third appearance in seven days at Charlton tomorrow, after his debut against Southend last weekend.

Right-back Westlake replaced the suspended Rhys Weston against the Shrimpers and kept him on the bench for Tuesday’s defeat to Leeds.

The Sutton Coldfield-born teenager is delighted with his impact so far.

He said: “I felt I’ve done well in the games so far. The manager has been pleased with my performances, which is the main thing, so now I want to push on from here.

“The tempo has been a lot faster than I have been used to, but I feel that I have coped with the added demands pretty well.”

Weston scored the winner in the reserves’ 1-0 win at Tranmere on Wednesday and is piling the pressure on Westlake.

The first-year professional was surprised to keep the 28-year-old on the bench in midweek.

Westlake said: “If I’m being totally honest, I thought that Rhys might get his place back for the Leeds game.

“It was a tremendous boost to be selected and it was a fantastic experience to play in front of such a large and vocal crowd.”

Boss Chris Hutchings refused to reveal whether Westlake will start tomorrow but has been pleased with his displays.

He said: “It was another good performance. He got the opportunity and he took it.

“There is good competition for places. We’ve got players to choose from which is healthy.

“We have a fully fit squad and are only taking 18 down to Charlton, so there will be one or two left behind.”