Kory Roberts is happy to have peace of mind over his immediate future after signing a one-year contract extension with the Saddlers.
The 20-year-old is currently enduring a spell on the sidelines after suffering a double leg break in the pre-season friendly against Stoke.
And with his previous deal set to expire next summer, the club have agreed to tie Roberts down for a further 12 months to allow him to concentrate solely on his rehabilitation.
“It feels good to have that deal so I’m not panicking and I can just focus on my recovery,” said Roberts.
“I’ve got nothing to worry about now – it’s stability.
“As soon as it happened, you think ‘what’s happening next? My contract’s up, I’m out for the season, what’s happening?’
“When the gaffer said he was going to give me a new contract, it eased my mind. To know I’ve got a new contract is less stress.
“With the injury, you are going to go through stress. But knowing you’ve got a new contract helps a lot.”
Roberts says his recovery is progressing well.
“Everything is going well and everything is in place that I need.
“I will have the screws taken out in the next two weeks. The consultant said that will help make my recovery faster.
“I come in a couple of times a week and go through some things with Rev [physio Marc Czuczman] just to get the muscle back so I can start putting on more weight.
“Everything is looking good and positive so I can’t complain.”
After winning the Saddlers’ 2017/18 Young Player of the Year award, Roberts had held high hopes for this campaign.
“I was excited for the season, to play that game. I was getting more and more excited for the season to get started, but then it happened.
“In one of my check-ups they said I wouldn’t be back until next season. It was horrible. It’s the worst feeling ever not to be able to do something you love.
“But hopefully it will make me stronger mentally and I can come back stronger next season.”
Recalling the incident, Roberts said: “I remember the sound. I just remember loads of people being around me.
“It was an accident. He [Ryan Sweeney] got my number from one of the lads and he messaged me after saying how bad he felt, which was nice of him.
“Joe [Edwards] came down from the stand. He was making jokes and making me feel alright.
“He said I was going to be in the gym with him now but I’d still probably be back before him! He was really good to me.”
And Roberts admits he has been blown away by the number of well wishes he has received from Saddlers fans.
“A lot of the fans have been so supportive. I’ve had a lot of messages. I didn’t even realise there were that many fans!
“Loads have messaged me. Thank you to them.”