Sansara signed his first professional contract in December 2006

Walsall boss Jimmy Mullen says teenage defender Netan Sansara fully deserves his chance in the first team.

The 19-year-old had an assured League debut in Saturday's draw at Yeovil and Mullen says he had no doubts about giving Sansara his opportunity.

"The kid's done well. He's played well against Aston Villa and Wolves and other teams this pre-season," he told BBC WM.

"He deserves his chance. He might thank me when he's 35."

Sansara is set to keep his place in the side for Tuesday's Carling Cup tie with Darlington with Mullen adamant he cannot afford to make too many changes.

"Every game between now and the end of the season is the most important one."

"We will give everyone the respect they deserve because we are not that good. We have to work our socks off in every game to get something out of it."