Walsall starlet Tom Leak was ready to answer the boss’s call

The 20-year-old was a surprise replacement for the suspended Hayden White on Tuesday night when he started in the crunch clash with Southend United.

But Leak, who was making his Walsall and EFL debut, shone on his biggest stage to date.

When asked when he was told he would be starting, Leak said: "This morning (Tuesday), the gaffer gave me a ring.

"I had to make sure I was ready, that is what I've been putting the work in for probably four months now without a game.

"I've been working hard with the fitness coach to stay ready for when my opportunity came.

"It's hard to put into words really, it's a proud moment for me or my family. It's a good feeling and I want many more now.

"I felt I did well and won my battles.

"That's the type of game it was, it was a fight. We don't want to be dragged into something that we shouldn't be in, which three points for them would have done.

"It was a good battle and I felt I did well. It's something to build on and improve as the games come."

Dutton has not been afraid to give opportunities to some of Walsall's brightest academy talents since he took charge.

Sam Perry has been given a handful of starts, while Alfie Bates has remained a key part of the squad.

Leak has regularly travelled to away games with the squad but just missed out on inclusion but after impressing on his debut Dutton was delighted.

When asked about Leak's performance, Dutton said: "Outstanding.

"For a young lad to come in for his EFL debut in a very high pressure game and give us that performance, he was the standout man-of-the-match.

"He looked like he'd played over 100 league games, never mind his first one.

"He's a credit to his family and Walsall football club, I couldn't be more delighted with him just like Sam Perry last week at Bolton."

When asked if it was a brave decision to include Leak, Dutton added: "You say it was a brave call, I didn't think it was.

"If the older boys aren't doing it, move aside and let these young pups come through, because they're not letting me down.

"Usually with youngsters they cost you points and you suffer for it and it's about development and bringing the next generation through, but they aren't harming me or Walsall at the minute.

"They're quite the opposite aren't they."