Return of the Bak: Dean Smith tips Walsall starlet for big future

The 18-year-old youth team product made his senior debut as a second half substitute in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Port Vale.

Boss Smith was impressed by the youngster's contribution and hinted may get further chances to show what he can do as the campaign draws to a close.

"He is bright and has a lot of time on his side," said Smith. "He got on at Port Vale and had a couple of chances he will feel he should have done better with.

"But he is only a young kid and he is still learning the game and he has a bright future ahead of him.

"It's a great experience for him. He has got a bit of greenness about him where he will just enjoy the experience. Although the dressing room was very low after the game, the highpoint was for him making his debut."

Walsall's hopes of reaching the play-offs now look virtually extinct after Peterborough's 2-0 home win over Gillingham last night. The Saddlers are now eight points behind sixth-placed Posh and attentions are beginning to turn to who is in Smith's plans for next season.

With top scorer Craig Westcarr currently suspended, Bakayoko joins Michael Ngoo, Troy Hewitt and Milan Lalkovic in a battle to replace him in the centre-forward role. Smith added: "It's an opportunity. Troy got on, Michael got on and Ama got on, there are opportunities for all of them."

Bakayoko, who has scored 16 goals for the club's youth team and reserves this term, was the first of the club's latest crop to be signed on professional terms back in December.

The Saddlers have struggled for goals this season, netting just 45 in 41 league games and the youngster's attitude has impressed veteran midfielder Adam Chambers.

"We hadn't seen much of him but we'd heard a lot about him," said Chambers. "He has built quite a reputation for himself in the youth team and the reserves.

"He's been training with us the last week or so and has looked very promising. He's another talent Walsall have unearthed. Hopefully he can be one for the future."

Walsall reserves ended their league campaign yesterday with a 1-1 draw at Port Vale, with Danny Griffiths on the scoresheet.