Walsall extend Kory Roberts' contract

The 20-year-old, who was named Saddlers’ Young Player of the Year at the end of the 2017/18 campaign, suffered the injury in a pre-season friendly with Stoke back in July.

Roberts’ previous contract expired in June.

But manager Dean Keates told the youngster he would be extending his deal as soon as the extent of his injury was confirmed.

“As soon as the incident happened I spoke to Dan Mole (club secretary) to find out about the clause in his contract and to make sure we had something in place for him next season,” the boss said.

“It was agreed then that we could active the clause.

“It was important for the lad psychologically. We didn’t want him having anything else to worry about.

“On the mental side, it has been hard, he has had dark days.

“But as a football club we are here to support him and make sure it doesn’t affect him too much. This contract has hopefully been a weight of his mind.”

Keates believes Roberts’ rehabilitation couldn’t be going any better.

“I’ve been told we could possibly have him back at the end of the season,” the boss continued.

“But I’ve said to Kory, forget about this season, just made sure you are ready for when you come back for pre-season.

“He is progressing really well. And on the mental side, what doesn’t break you makes you stronger. It’s been a learning curve for him.”

Having won Walsall’s Young Player of the Year award, Roberts looked to have a big season ahead.

But Keates says he still has a bright future ahead of him – with the boss believing the 20-year-old can play in a number of roles.

“What happened was a terrible accident for the lad,” the 40-year-old added.

“He had a massive part to play this season.

“Versatility wise, I looked at Kory as someone who would provide competition at centre-back and at full-back.

“And looking how he is and how he plays, he was someone I thought could be a possibility in central midfield as a holding midfielder.

“He likes to step in and is very much a ball playing centre-back.

“He is someone I looked at and thought he can help us number wise. But what’s happened has happened.

“He will have a big part to play in the future.”