Whitney delighted with his special K

The 23-year-old has featured 32 times for the Saddlers this season but has seen his form fluctuate throughout the campaign.

Following a disappointing team display at Blackburn, Whitney revealed he held a meeting with Morris to discuss his performances.

And the boss felt the winger responded in the right way with an impressive showing against MK Dons.

“Kieron looked after the ball really well against MK Dons,” the boss said.

“We spoke to him midweek. We sat down and had a good chat. He’s a player with incredible ability but you have to recognise things with young players.

“We are a technical team who wants to play football.

“For me, if you’re not quite on your game, just work for the team for five minutes, then suddenly you will come back into the game.

“It’s just learning coping strategies for the players.

“But I’ve known Kieron for a long time and he will go on and be a really special player. I’ve got real belief in the kid. He’s a Walsall player through and through.” Alongside Morris, Whitney was also pleased with the performance of goalkeeper Liam Roberts in the win over the Dons.

The shot-stopper has pulled off a number of outstanding saves over the past few weeks. But it was the way the 23-year-old commanded his box that pleased Whitney on Saturday.

“It was pleasing to see big Robbo coming out and claiming the ball,” the boss added.

“It’s not since Neil Etheridge where we’ve seen that. Clayton Ince was the one before that.

“There’s nothing better for a defender or for a team than if the keeper comes and takes the pressure off.

“It was really good to see him commanding his box and he’s maturing really well.

“Against MK Dons, as a team, we needed to make sure we didn’t need Robbo as much as we have over the past few weeks.

“I thought we did that. Everyone put in a shift and out shape was really good.”