Jamille Matt backs Manchester United loanee to play "big part" for Walsall

Wheatley, who arrived from the Premier League giants in January, has made just three appearances for Walsall and has not featured since a 2-2 draw against Salford City on February 1. 

The 19-year-old returned to the squad as an unused substitute during Walsall's 2-2 draw against Bromley at Hayes Lane last week. 

The young striker won't be available for the trip to Gillingham on Saturday following his call-up for England under-19s ahead of their upcoming European Championship qualifiers against Wales, Turkey and Portugal respectively.

Mat Sadler recently praised the teenager for propelling himself into the contention with his work behind the scenes and Matt feels he can still reap the reward for those efforts between now and the end of the season.

"Ethan has been brilliant. He has not had it easy coming into a different environment that he has not been used to," Matt noted. 

"It's a different type of football, League Two is different to what he has been playing. 

"That's something which he has taken a little bit of time to adjust to but the one thing I will say about Ethan is that he is keen to listen and learn. 

"Like the gaffer said, his attitude is spot on and he is one who I think will play a good part in the remaining games of the season. 

"Because he has got the attributes, he has got the attitude and the work rate to get a chance and add to the team. 

"Ethan knows he has to work hard first and foremost to get into the team and that's what he has been doing. Then he's just got to wait for his chance."