A golden ticket for Walsall's Matt Preston
He has capped off the perfect week by putting pen to paper on a new one-year contract.
Now talented centre-back Matt Preston is determined to continue his rapid rise as he looks to cement his place in Walsall's starting line-up.
The 21-year-old was the Saddlers hero on Saturday as he grabbed an assist as well as a stoppage-time goal to help his side secure a last-gasp victory over Colchester.
In total, the defender – who has come through the clubs youth ranks – has made 13 appearances for the first team this season, scoring twice.
After putting in a string of impressive displays, Preston was delighted to sign a new contract that will keep him at the Banks's Stadium until the summer of 2017.
He said: "I'm delighted to have signed a new contract as this is the best place for me.
"Here young players are given an opportunity to play, which at most clubs is a rare thing – they are willing to put time and effort into you.
"You look at the first team and there are a lot of players who have come through.
"Rico Henry and Kieron Morris have played a lot of games and myself and Reece Flanagan are breaking through.
"It's great to have that opportunity. I'm starting to break through so, hopefully, I can continue to do that.
"I'm hoping to play as much first-team football as I can and stay injury free. To play regularly is my main aim."
A traditional English centre-back, Preston has somewhat of a cult following from Saddlers fans for his tough tackling and committed displays.
He is also the quickest member of the squad, having recently beaten Rico Henry in a 100-metre sprint.
But while he enjoys a tackle, opposition strikers can rest assured that Preston never goes into hurt.
He said: "I do like a good tackle but only when it is the right thing to do.
"I'm not one to smash someone with the intent to hurt but if I am going to win the ball then I'm going to win the ball."
Preston's performance as a makeshift striker on Saturday drew comparisons, with ex-Saddler Andy Butler who was often sent forward if the team were chasing a goal.
But the youngster joked he thinks he is better than Butler in a striking role, after teeing up Tom Bradshaw before finding the net himself.
He said: "Andy used to do it a lot – not as well as me though! I wanted to try to flick on some balls and it was great to see it work when Tom scored.
"I saw him make a run off my shoulder. I have tried to get it into his path as best I can and then he finished it really well.
"Then when I scored as well, it was an incredible feeling."
Meanwhile, Walsall have confirmed supporters have been invited to attend an open training session at the Banks's Stadium on Easter Monday.
Fans will be able to watch interim boss Jon Whitney put the players through their paces as they prepare for their League One fixture with Sheffield United.
Whitney and the coaching staff will also be discussing the training programme.
Doors to the stadium will open at 10.45am for fans to get seated in time for the training session to begin at 11am. Entry is free.
