Chester keen to keep Walsall starlet Theo Vassell

The 20-year-old defender was snapped up by the Saddlers in the summer but was then immediately sent out to gain first-team experience with the National League outfit.

Vassell has performed well in his time at the Deva Stadium with the youngster making 16 appearances in a run that saw Jon McCarthy's side keep 10 clean sheets.

He returned to Walsall on January 1 after that loan deal came to an end.

But McCarthy admits he'd love to see the right-back return for the second half of the campaign.

"He (Vassell) and Walsall know of my desire to keep him to the end of the season," the Chester manager said.

"Walsall have a couple of injuries so they need him to be around their place for the next week or two while they try and get some players in.

"I think they feel he still needs some more time out and to be playing some more games and then if that is the case then we are the favourites because of the way we have dealt with him."

Vassell meanwhile admits he thoroughly enjoyed his time with The Blues and feels the experience has helped him develop as a player and as a person.

"I really enjoyed my time there," the defender said. "It was a completely different experience, my first competitive season playing first-team football and I can honestly say it has really helped me.

"The standard is not easy at all – it took me by surprise.

"It's a tough, aggressive league and I would recommend any young player to go there because you're going to learn a lot. It's a lot more physical.

"I feel I've matured from the experience and I've grown from a boy to a man. I've learned a lot, on and off the pitch.

"I made 16 appearances for Chester and at one point we had seven clean sheets in a row, and only one defeat in 17 games.

"The team have done well and I'd say the experience has helped me massively. It's helped me become more vocal as well, which is definitely a good thing."

Vassell particularly enjoyed playing in front of crowds, having not experienced that before in his fledgling career.

"That was one aspect I really enjoyed," he continued.

"I've played in under-21 and reserve games where you're playing in front of coaches and trying to impress them, but not many fans.

"It's been great to play in front of crowds like I have done this season.

"The biggest was in the derby against Wrexham – there were about 5,500-6,000 and the atmosphere was amazing.

"Most games there are around 2-3,000 and it's a really good atmosphere.

"I'd say it drives me on a bit more and it helps me to play in front of big crowds."

While keen to push for a first-team place at Walsall, Vassell refused to rule out another loan move with McCarthy's men.

"I'm not sure yet if I'll be going back there or not," he added.

"But whatever happens, I'll look forward to whatever I'm doing – whether it's going back there or staying here.

"All I want to do is play first-team football which is the most important thing in my career at the moment."