In the latest of his weekly warblings, Bescot Banter columnist Scott Brotherton takes a look at Walsall's hot prospect Matt Preston.
All season long it has seemed ominous that the Saddlers have only used centre-backs. While Andy Butler and Paul Downing have been outstanding so far it was almost inevitable that we would lose one of them eventually, and this is now the case after the captain’s red card against MK Dons.
With backup man Dean Holden injured, this leaves an interesting dilemma for Dean Smith. He could play Ben Purkiss or James Chambers in the middle of the defence, he could try a midfielder in a defensive role, or he could blood youngster Matt Preston.
Preston was a star and captain of the youth team last year and his progress earned him a professional contract with the first team. The manager is never too keen to throw youngsters in at the deep end and I feel Purkiss will probably get the nod for Friday’s Peterborough clash, but 18-year-old Preston is certainly a prospect.
He is what many would call a proper defender. None of the messing around with skills and no heroics; Preston is solid and dependable. In that sense at least he would be the perfect replacement for Butler as they both have the same style and believe in that way of defending.
It is also intriguing to think that, as Downing is only 22, this could be the start of a defensive partnership that could last a decade. Both have huge potential and both could easily be snapped up by teams in higher leagues if they prove themselves. In fact Downing is already getting attention, being an established player at such a young age.
As youth captain, Birmingham-born Preston is clearly a calm head on the pitch. He might surprise a few by filling the leadership void left by Butler along with other senior players like Adam Chambers and Andy Taylor (is he is indeed fit).
I am interested to see whether Dean Smith will give young Preston a chance. At the end of the day he knows best whether the lad is ready, and in Deano we trust. It will be good to see him in action, but even if he misses out this time Matt Preston is going to develop more. He will definitely be a player for the future.
By: Scott Brotherton