Youngster Alfie Bates signs first professional contract with Walsall

The Coventry-born midfielder has put pen to paper on a one-year deal with the club having the option of a further 12 months in their favour.

Bates has featured twice for the Saddlers this season – both in the Checkatrade Trophy.

And he now has his sights set on playing more first-team games next year.

“It’s good to get the deal done, especially on my 18th birthday,” Bates said.

“It’s a good moment for myself, for my family and for everyone who has helped me along the way.

“My aspirations for next season are to play more games for the first team and show everybody what I can do.

"Hopefully I can score some goals as well if I get the chance.”

Bates revealed Walsall skipper Adam Chambers has been a big influence on him over the past year.

“The senior players here have really helped me develop my game this season, especially Adam Chambers, he continued.

“He is a really good role model and he has helped me out a lot in training, on and off the pitch.

“If I have done something wrong, he is always there to help me out, telling me to maybe play forward next time or lay it back or keep the ball.

"He’s been a good role model, as have a number of the other lads.”

Overall, Bates is thrilled to commit his future to Walsall.

“I really enjoy it here,” he added.

"I’ve been in and around the first-team group most of the season and have played regularly for the youth team, so it’s been a good season for me personally.

"I’m looking forward to the future but I’ll enjoy today; it’s a great way to spend your birthday.”