Jack Nolan itching to get Walsall chance

The 18-year-old has made four Saddlers appearances – all from the bench – since joining the club in January.

He made the switch from Reading, where he was playing in the under-23s, and Nolan insists he wants to prove Clarke was right to sign him when the fixtures return – although he is prepared to wait for that chance if necessary.

“The manager has shown faith in me to come here,” he said.

“I’ve not had an experience in men’s football and I’ve never had a loan.

“He’s obviously put a lot of faith in me to bring me in and now I need to repay that and learn as I’m going along.

“For the rest of this season it will be in and out but next season it’s up to me to go and secure a regular spot in the team.

“I’ll take each day as it comes as I’m only 18 still and I have a long time ahead of me, hopefully. I need to keep working hard in training and knocking on the door.

“When the chances come to play in the reserves, I need to grasp them with both hands and get minutes under my belt and use that as another platform to show what I can do.

“When I’m in the reserves, I need to act like an older player and do things right and keep knocking on the door.”

Meanwhile, it is the experienced players at the club that was a huge attraction for Nolan, who believes Walsall is the right place for him to progress.

“The older players are really good with the younger players, not just myself,” he added.

“You look at Mat Sadler who has numerous appearances under his belt in the Football League.

“You have people who have had promotions, the manager’s had promotions, so they know what it takes to get to the highest level.

“Look at Danny Guthrie, who’s played in the Premier League, there’s a lot of experienced pros around the place.

“I honestly believe that I’m in the right place to kick on and make a career in the game.”