Leave our kid alone warns Hutchings

Walsall manager Chris Hutchings isn't surprised by defender Darryl Westlake's rapid rise to the first team but has urged fans not to over-hype the youngster.

The 18-year-old right-back has impressed in his debut campaign, making 16 appearances following his bow in August.

He shone in the win at Leeds in mid-week with rival Rhys Weston not expected to be fit until the trip to Southampton next Saturday should start again at home to Yeovil on Tuesday.

Boss Hutchings says first year professional Westlake has all the attributes to go far but he must not be burdened with expectation.

He said: "He's not surprised me at all, I knew the quality he had. He's very level headed, wants to learn and listen and he wants to take things on board.

"He's got an old head on young shoulders and he knows where to be, what to do and when to do it, that's very important.

"Sometimes circumstances dictate how many games you play but he's still young and you get experience by playing.

"But we don't want to put too much of a burden on him because he'll make mistakes and get the run round once or twice.

"If you make a mistake early, every time you get it you have the crowd on your back. It's how you respond to that.

"At some stage you have to throw them in, we took on Westy knowing he had potential and he's played more games than he thought."