Walsall have announced that teenage full-back Malvind Singh Benning has signed a new two-and-a-half year contract with the club.
The 19-year-old right-back who made his first-team debut in November has made six appearances for the club this season.
“Mal is a great prospect,” said Walsall manager Dean Smith, who previously worked with Benning when he headed up the Saddlers youth development programme.
“He’s another real talent to come off the production line. He’s taken the opportunity that has been given to him and showed that he can handle playing at this level. This new deal gives him a great chance to continue that progression.”
Singh Benning who was the club’s, ‘Apprentice of the Year’, last term, added: “At the start of the season I wanted to establish myself and do well for the reserves, but things have gone really well so far and to get my chance in the first-team at this stage of my career has exceeded my expectations.”
“I’ve been pleased with my performances so far. Each game has been a learning curve for me, but I’d like to think that I have proved what I am capable of.”
“It’s not often that a first-year professional gets handed such a deal after just a handful of first-team games; I know that the hard work is only just starting for me and hopefully I can get a run in the team and continue to make progress.”
“Walsall have a reputation for bringing through young, local talent and the fact that so many of the first-team squad have come through the ranks here made it easier for me to settle in and certainly helps with the spirit and togetherness.”
