Video: Kyle Rowley looking to make big impact
Promising Walsall defender Kyle Rowley has vowed to learn from boss Dean Smith after signing his first professional contract.
The 18-year-old, who captained the Saddlers' youth side last season, has now put pen to paper on the professional deal offered to him at the end of the 2014/15 campaign.
A tough-tackling centre-back, Rowley was part of the team that won the Midland Youth Cup last season as well as the reserves side who claimed the Walsall Senior Cup.
And after watching videos of a young Smith during his playing days with Walsall, Leyton Orient and Sheffield Wednesday – Rowley believes he has the right mentor to help him break into the first team.
"It's great to finally sign my first professional contract but the real work begins now," he said. "I'll be looking to make a positive initial impression and show the coaching staff what I can do.
"It will be good working under the gaffer and (assistant boss) Richard O'Kelly. I want to give them confidence in me and take on board what they say.
"I've seen footage of the gaffer from his playing days and I can see a lot of myself in him with the way that he liked a tackle and was strong in the air."
Meanwhile, the Express & Star understands there is no truth in rumours linking Hull City goalkeeper Mark Oxley with a move to the Banks's.
A new keeper is high on Smith's summer wishlist following the departure of Richard O'Donnell to Wigan.
Oxley, who failed to make an appearance during a brief loan spell with Walsall back in 2009, impressed during a temporary switch to Hibs last season but is not thought to be among the manager's targets.
Plymouth striker Lewis Alessandra, also won't be heading to the West Midlands after agreeing a two-year deal with Rochdale.
