Jamie Paterson tipped for the top

Walsall boss Dean Smith has tipped Jamie Paterson for the top but insists the Saddlers starlet must prove his worth.

The 19-year-old is set to be unleashed against Colchester again on Saturday – just a year after making his full debut for the club against the Us.

Paterson made his first start of the season in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Scunthorpe, with Walsall on a four-match winless run in League One.

But Smith reckons the youth product can provide the Saddlers' missing glitz if he realises his potential.

The manager said: "He's an exciting player. He excites you when you see him in training.

"When the reserves got beat 6-1 by Derby their staff were talking about him after the game. It's credit to him. It's up to Jamie Paterson how far he can go.

"We can only control the controllables on the pitch and it's up to him what he does away from here to get himself right.

"I expect more consistency from him. We all know he's got ability, he knows he's got ability and has an air of confidence when he plays, but the thing he needs is consistency.

"It's something we're striving to do at the football club with all the players, but Jamie especially.

"He's got great feet, great tricks and can score and create but he needs to do it on regular basis.

"He needs to work on the end product and he knows that."