'Not out of place' - Walsall youngster Will Etheridge hailed after senior debut

Darren Byfield insists second year scholar Will Etheridge has “not looked out of place” since training with the Walsall first team.

The 17-year-old made his senior debut from the bench during a 3-1 defeat at Bromley on the final day of the season.

In doing so, Etheridge became the first Saddlers academy product to make his league debut since Ronan Maher in July 2022.

‘Unbelievable’ - Byfield on Etheridge’s debut

“A proud day for his family. It’s unbelievable for him and deservedly so,” former interim head coach Byfield said.

“We’ve had Will train with the squad for the past three games now.

“He has trained with us and has not looked out of place. I’m absolutely delighted for him.”

The midfielder also travelled with the squad for their 3-1 win at Barrow in April and participated in the pre-match warm-up ahead of their 2-0 home defeat against Harrogate Town the following weekend.

Stan Straw signed his first professional deal in March - while Walsall also triggered goalkeeper Jenson Kilroy’s option year.

Etheridge has also seen his scholarship extended and Byfield emphasised the importance of creating a pathway between the academy and the first team.

Byfield: Academy pathway “important”

“His ability first and foremost. He runs his sicks off as well,” he added.

“You look at that and you marry the two up, then you think he has always got a chance.

“It’s now down to him to keep improving. How do you fare around the senior players?

“Are you fearful, or do you take the game to them?

“He takes the game to them and it’s like he has been training with us for a year or two.”

“That pathway is so important because not only can it lead to us bringing our own through which brings success to the football club and then they might get sold.

“But then you’ll have kids coming through that look at Walsall Football Club and think that they gave the academy players a chance.”