17-year-old Bates, who also operates as an attacking midfielder, was named among the Saddlers' starting XI as they played host to Boro at the Banks's on Tuesday evening, with the Reds looking to build upon their opening group victory over Burton Albion.
Alfie was part of Birmingham City's academy set up until early 2017 and joined the Saddlers that March, going on to score on his youth debut, against Morecambe later in the season.
The youngster played for the full ninety minutes against the Riverside Stadium club, producing a confident, and able display as his side ran out comfortable winners as Jack Fitzwater, Maziar Kouhyar, and Andy Cook all hit the back of the net.