Walsall sign up Kacy Milan Butterfield

The 18-year-old has been recommended to the Saddlers by former striker and fellow countryman Kyle Lightbourne, who enjoyed a successful spell at the Banks's Stadium between 1993 and 1997.

Butterfield, who is often referred to by his middle name Milan, has been handed a contract after impressing on trial last year.

He will initially join up with Walsall's development squad, working under the guidance of experienced coach John Ward.

And the six-foot-four-inch midfielder admitted he is delighted to have got the deal done.

He said: "I've loved it here - the way the club has treated me and how the players have welcomed me straight in.

"My first game here it was sunny at kick-off and then snowed in the same match which will take some getting used to.

"I just want to learn as much as I can and get out on the pitch and start playing.

"Kyle (Lightbourne) is one of my coaches back in Bermuda who gives me advice on my game and spoke really highly of the club.

"When Whits (Jon Whitney) told me they wanted to offer me a deal I was just ecstatic and I can't wait to get going."

Boss Whitney believes Butterfield is player who has huge potential, adding: "He's been fantastic in the time he was here last season.

"His attitude is everything we look for in a young player. He's someone who loves football and loves being at this football club.

"His Dad come over to look at the environment here and was really impressed with what he saw.

"He'll join that group of young professionals who we feel have a great chance of developing into our next big crop of players and can take the club on to bigger and better things.

"For a big guy, he's technically very good but we can't forget he's a working progress. The biggest thing for me though is that he's willing to do the work, which says a lot about him.

"He's more of a defensive-minded midfielder who breaks up the play and gets us going again, so he's someone I think will really push on here."