Express & Star

Walsall's Jack Nolan told to ‘knuckle down’

The ‘internal investigation’ into Jack Nolan’s social media activity has closed as Walsall head coach Brian Dutton urges him to focus on his football.

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Saddlers supporters noticed the 19-year-old was liking several tweets for a number of weeks questioning Dutton and why the winger was not being involved in match day squads.

Dutton confirmed to the Express & Star that Nolan’s Twitter activity was being looked into at the time.

Now, the head coach says the matter is behind them and that Nolan is competing for minutes with the rest of the squad.

“Jack Nolan is a great lad,” Dutton said.

“He’s a young lad and young guys make mistakes. I made loads of mistakes at his age. All I’ll say is Jack is in the training group, is competing for a starting berth and he’s a fantastic young lad with a lot going for him.

“He needs to knuckle down and concentrate on his football, it’s frustrating for these guys out of the team, these are the hard miles for them when they want game time. He’s desperate for it but this is where he needs to be his most focused.

“This is the most difficult period for these guys but Jack is a great young lad and I have no issues with him.”

When asked if the issue was now closed, Dutton added: “Yes, the matter is closed.”

Nolan has only made one appearance since Dutton took charge, coming off the bench in his opening game as manager.

In recent weeks he has not made the Walsall squad or travelled with the team to away matches.