Harrison Burke anticipates more academy breakthroughs at Walsall

Harrison Burke says he cannot see why opportunities won’t come for Walsall’s academy players - and cited Stan Straw as a shining example.

Straw impressed for the Saddlers during their EFL Trophy campaign last term and featured in all five games.

He was rewarded with his first professional deal in March, although he’s yet to figure in pre-season, after suffering a groin injury towards the end of last season.

Walsall academy can use Straw example as inspiration

But Burke feels that Straw’s fellow academy players can use him as an inspiration in their own quests to break into the first team.

“If you look at Stan last season in the EFL Trophy. He took his chance and it’s a shame he has been injured because he would’ve been a real contender to give the manager a headache,” Burke said.

“I don’t see why a lot of those lads can’t either. I’ll be on them to make sure that they keep working hard and getting what they need to be done, but I’m really happy to see them out there.”

Ryan Sjordesma scored in a 4-2 victory over Nottingham Forest under-21s in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday - while Archie Bunn, Will Etheridge and Ellis Harris among others have also featured in pre-season.

Burke impressed by Walsall academy prospects

In total, Walsall had 10 academy players on the pitch across both halves during their goalless draw at Leamington earlier this month.

And Burke has been impressed by the application that each of them have shown in training.

“I think they’ve been excellent in training and around the place at integrating themselves,” he continued.

“Not one of them have come in and I’ve thought: ‘He’s not quite ready yet’.

“They’ve really put in the work first and shown that they’re willing to do that.

“If they do well then they might get a chance and we’re all for that.”