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Wanderers wide man Tom Walker believes the advice of the senior members in the squad will make him a better player.
The Salfordian does not turn 20 until December and admits he is still adjusting to being part of Neil Lennon's first-team squad.
After bursting onto the scene last season alongside former youth team colleague Zach Clough, the teenager made 11 appearances and netted his first senior goal at Wigan.
But an injury in pre-season coupled with the arrival of Wellington Silva on loan from Arsenal in his favoured wider role have seen his appearances restricted so far this campaign to just one start – against Nottingham Forest at the Macron Stadium.
His last outing came from the bench late on in the 2-2 home draw against league leaders Brighton 10 days ago but he was left out of the 18-man matchday squad on Saturday at QPR.
However, Walker remains confident his progression will continue after penning his first professional contract with the Whites in the summer.
And having mentors like former Liverpool duo Emile Heskey and Jay Spearing to learn from is something he values, particularly during difficult times when his head may drop.
"All the players were great with me when I broke into the team," Walker told the club. "They all made me feel welcome.
"In training, there are a few who are always there to spur me on if I'm not doing so well or my head drops or give you a pat on the back when you do something good.
"That's great for me as I am a player who needs that sometimes.
"I was delighted to get my opportunity last season but I'd be lying if I said I didn't find it tough to adjust and make the step up to the first team at first.
"But the older players are always supportive and there offering advice to the likes of me and Zach and all the other younger lads coming through.
"Jay Spearing in particular helps me and I'm grateful to him and really respect him for that because it does help me in both training and matches."
As a player who looks to go forward, Walker says former England striker Heskey has been a huge influence in his first nine months involved with the first team – as was Eidur Gudjohnsen during his brief second spell at the club last season.
And it is not just on the training ground where Heskey's help has proved invaluable for the 19-year-old.
Walker added: "It's fantastic to get the opportunity to play with and learn from the likes of Emile and Eidur last season – it has been a great experience for me.
"I'm only a young player and these are players who have seen it all, done it all and between them achieved just about everything as a player you can achieve in the game.
"They're both great with young players.
"I remember one incident last year when we were playing Norwich.
"Emile came up to me during the game and said to try and take on their full-back and if I got the chance to get it out of my feet then whip in a cross.
"It was on my mind the next time I got the ball so I went past the man and crossed it into the box and thankfully Adam Le Fondre got on the end of it.
"I went on to have a really good first half and that stemmed from Emile's advice.
"So he helps me a lot on and off the field."
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The Salfordian does not turn 20 until December and admits he is still adjusting to being part of Neil Lennon's first-team squad.
After bursting onto the scene last season alongside former youth team colleague Zach Clough, the teenager made 11 appearances and netted his first senior goal at Wigan.
But an injury in pre-season coupled with the arrival of Wellington Silva on loan from Arsenal in his favoured wider role have seen his appearances restricted so far this campaign to just one start – against Nottingham Forest at the Macron Stadium.
His last outing came from the bench late on in the 2-2 home draw against league leaders Brighton 10 days ago but he was left out of the 18-man matchday squad on Saturday at QPR.
However, Walker remains confident his progression will continue after penning his first professional contract with the Whites in the summer.
And having mentors like former Liverpool duo Emile Heskey and Jay Spearing to learn from is something he values, particularly during difficult times when his head may drop.
"All the players were great with me when I broke into the team," Walker told the club. "They all made me feel welcome.
"In training, there are a few who are always there to spur me on if I'm not doing so well or my head drops or give you a pat on the back when you do something good.
"That's great for me as I am a player who needs that sometimes.
"I was delighted to get my opportunity last season but I'd be lying if I said I didn't find it tough to adjust and make the step up to the first team at first.
"But the older players are always supportive and there offering advice to the likes of me and Zach and all the other younger lads coming through.
"Jay Spearing in particular helps me and I'm grateful to him and really respect him for that because it does help me in both training and matches."
As a player who looks to go forward, Walker says former England striker Heskey has been a huge influence in his first nine months involved with the first team – as was Eidur Gudjohnsen during his brief second spell at the club last season.
And it is not just on the training ground where Heskey's help has proved invaluable for the 19-year-old.
Walker added: "It's fantastic to get the opportunity to play with and learn from the likes of Emile and Eidur last season – it has been a great experience for me.
"I'm only a young player and these are players who have seen it all, done it all and between them achieved just about everything as a player you can achieve in the game.
"They're both great with young players.
"I remember one incident last year when we were playing Norwich.
"Emile came up to me during the game and said to try and take on their full-back and if I got the chance to get it out of my feet then whip in a cross.
"It was on my mind the next time I got the ball so I went past the man and crossed it into the box and thankfully Adam Le Fondre got on the end of it.
"I went on to have a really good first half and that stemmed from Emile's advice.
"So he helps me a lot on and off the field."
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