Stuart Sinclair is backing Walsall youngsters to shine

Last season, Alfie Bates enjoyed his breakthrough campaign, while debuts were also given to Sam Perry and Joe Willis.

The latter two have earned their first professional contracts in the process and in the upcoming season – where the club may have to rely more on youth due to the coronavirus – Sinclair believes it is essential to help them blossom.

“It’s part of the community, that’s the whole point,” he said. “That’s how the football club is and that’s how it should be, that’s why it’s so nice to be a part of.

“In the Midlands community, bringing young lads through from the area, it’s all intertwined.

“It’s hugely important for the club.

“If you listen to the gaffer, he gives young players that opportunity and he trusts them.

“That comes through in Sam, he showed great composure in his debut and there’s lots of good young lads coming through.

“That’s part of the club’s heritage as well, everyone is on the wall that have come through and done well.

“The gaffer will no doubt progress that and I will do everything I can, as an older player, to try and help and push them forwards.

“Those players eventually can push me forwards as well, that’s the whole point and how the football club should be. I enjoy it, watching Alfie and some of his performances this year, they have been sensational. It’s exciting to play with him and for us to push each other.”

Although Bates looked impressive during his first full season, the 19-year-old has not played since January after having a break from the squad – a rest that Sinclair hopes will serve him well.

“With any young player it’s about consistency and it’s tough to perform week in, week out and have that pressure and mental challenges,” Sinclair added.

“For me personally, I didn’t develop until I was a bit older with my mental capacity, so what Alfie has shown is tremendous. I can support him and help him – same for Sam, Joe and all the other young lads.

“That’s shown a little bit in our form, we’ve been slightly inconsistent. It’s because we have a young side but it’s also exciting, it’s pushing us forwards.

“Those young players are exceptional talents and they will definitely push the club forwards, they’re very good players.

“That’s why I get excited, to be involved in that.”