Bakayoko is in good hands at AFC Telford

The 19-year-old on-loan Walsall striker has had his baptism to National League North eased by the presence of Dave Hibbert.

The Bucks have given a warm welcome to the Sierra Leone-born youngster since his arrival from the Banks's Stadium earlier this month - but none more so than Hibbert.

Bakayoko said: "The lads have given me a great welcome and the gaffer has been very nice to me and I feel it's been a good start for me, personally.

"But Dave has been very supportive, even though he's not been playing. He's been giving me lots of advice and he's been very helpful.

"He joins us in the dressing room before the game and tells me all about the defenders I'm playing against.

"It's nice to have someone helping me like that who's very experienced and has played in a few leagues. I've been very grateful and I hope I can show that by scoring a few goals!"

At least they are finally off the mark at the fourth time of asking, after Danny Glover's penalty in the 2-1 defeat at Tamworth saw Steve Kittrick's side end their goal drought.

Bakayoko has already seen enough of his temporary team-mates to be convinced that the struggle for goals and three points won't last long.

The Saddlers youngster said: "It's all about getting that first win now but that will come soon, because we're playing good football.

"We just didn't take our chances against Stockport and Tamworth, but the goals will definitely come."

Telford are likely to be boosted by the return of Josh Brizell, Johnny Gorman and Hibbert from injury tomorrow.

Bakayoko said: "It's a massive boost to have these lads available. I haven't played with them yet, because they've been injured.

"But I know from seeing Dave around that he will be a very good player to have up front, because he's a big vocal presence on the pitch and he manages games very well."

Bakayoko has been brought in with a bigger picture in mind, as Walsall look to give him the experience needed to handle the game at a higher level. So how has he fared so far?

He said: "It's very physical but it's all a learning curve and I've got to get used to it as a striker," he said. "I've found it tough but I feel I am strong enough to cope."

Kittrick criticised his team for being too "tippy-tappy" after the Tamworth defeat.

Bakayoko is in the unique position to assess Telford as he's also played against them in the last month, for his parent club in the 1-0 pre-season friendly win for the Bucks.

And the teenager believes they need to stick to their footballing principles, but introduce the steel Kittrick is referring to.

He said: "When I played against them, they passed the ball well and they have continued to do that. They are just the same as Walsall and all credit to them for playing that way.

"If we stay strong-minded, keep working hard but show more belief in games then we'll definitely benefit. We have to do the ugly side as well, though."