New recruit Matt Pennington fits the Walsall bill

The young defender could make his Saddlers debut at Sheffield United tomorrow, a week after joining the club on loan from Everton.

Pennington is highly thought of at Goodison Park and put pen to paper on a three-year contract with the club last summer.

The 21-year-old also won Coventry's Young Player of the Year award last season after enjoying a fruitful spell with the Sky Blues.

And Whitney says the youngster has the right character to be

part of his promotion-chasing squad.

"Matt is a leader, he is a talker and he is somebody who, if needed, can step straight into the team," Whitney said. "The biggest thing is that his character and personality fit this group.

"There is no ego about him. One text he sent me was 'Up the Saddlers!' which I thought was fantastic. He played against us for Tranmere on his first loan a couple of years ago and I earmarked him straight away because he was just an old-fashioned defender.

"He reminded me of myself – he just wanted to defend. But he is not a 'head and volley' defender, he can still play.

"He is a technical player as well – if he wasn't, Everton wouldn't have given him a three-year deal."

Meanwhile, Pennington admits he is relishing being a part of a promotion-chasing side.

"I've settled into the group really well – everybody has made me feel welcome," the defender said. "Now I'm hoping to kick on, get some game time and show Walsall fans and Everton what I can do.

"I've got played as much as I would have liked this season but now is my chance.

"Last year I played quite a few games in League One but it's nice to be competing at the other end of the division.

"It's an exciting time. Walsall have had a few players that have come in on loan and done really well. Hopefully I will be another to have success here."