RICHARD Davies is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Mark Bradley after revealing that the Welsh Under-21 International's rise through The Saddlers' ranks is one he has followed with much interest.

Davies, who signed a first professional contract last week and turns 18 tomorrow, played with Bradley at youth team level and has kept a close eye on his progress ever-since. Bradley is two years Davies' senior and Davies is hoping his career path will follow a similar path.

"I've always looked up to Mark," said the 2007/08 Apprentice of the Season. "In my first year in the youth team, Mark was mainly on the substitutes bench for the first team but last season, he was a first-team regular.

"He has done really well and, with us both being midfielder's, I think I can learn from him. I'll be asking for advice and I'm sure he'll help me along.

"My first aim, like Mark's probably was, is to get a regular place in the reserves and then I'll try and get in and around the first-team.

"Like I've said before, there's a long way to go but, working with the first-team day-in day-out, will be a big benefit to me."

Fellow youngster, Hassan Bacchus has also penned his first professional deal with the club following an impressive campaign which ended with Mick Halsall's side claiming the Puma Youth Alliance North-West Conference title.