Jon Whitney delighted with Kieron Morris' new Walsall deal
Jon Whitney admits he is delighted Kieron Morris has signed a new deal at Walsall - with the winger now one of the first names on the manager's team sheet.
The 22-year-old put pen to paper on a new contract earlier this week which will keep him at the Banks's Stadium until 2019. But while Morris will be part of the Saddlers team taking on Swindon today, fellow youngster Maz Kouhyar is facing a spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee while on international duty with Afghanistan.
The 19-year-old underwent surgery yesterday with Walsall yet to confirm how long he will be out of action. But while Whitney will rue the youngsters absence, he is delighted to see Morris agree new terms.
"It is excellent news," he said.
"We've been speaking to Kieron for a few weeks now. He is the person we speak about most in our offices after games.
"Now he is realising his potential and the most important thing is that when he steps onto that pitch he believes he is one of my main players. He is one of the first names on my team sheet because of his performances."
In January 2015, Morris joined Wrexham on loan in a move that looked to signal his time at the Banks's was coming to an end.
And Whitney believes the winger is a prime example of why you should give some players extra time.
"Kieron is a shining example of what this club is good at," the boss continued.
"Sometimes it's too easy to discard players. It can take them just a little bit longer to mature and develop.
"Some are discarded too quickly and Kieron could have easily been one of those players.
"Then he would have lost his belief and probably done the circuits around non-league.
"It just goes to show how important it is to give players a bit more time if they are showing the right attitude and application.
"This club gives young players that and now Kieron is one of the main nucleuses of this squad.
"I am made up for him. He deserves his contract and to be earning a bit more.
