'Changed my life' - Courtney Clarke's journey from cage football to Walsall
It has been quite the journey for Courtney Clarke, but the exciting Walsall youngster has finally made it to the Football League at the age of 22.
Although he once had a spell in the academy ranks at Derby County, there is a rawness to his game, which makes him standout from many of his contemporaries.
That is because those skills, and that element of guile and flair, was painstakingly practiced and refined in the football cages near his childhood home in London.
Hailing from cage football
"My style has come from cage football from when I've been in London. It just gave me that freedom which any creative player needs," he reflects.
"I haven't always been like that though. I was low on confidence but now I'm of the mindset where I know I'm a good player and I know that I can go far.
