Ace Langmead has ‘big’ town future

Defender Kelvin Langemad has been told he does have a big part to play in Shrewsbury Town’s future - if he toughens up.

The popular 23-year-old was signed as a striker but has been converted to a centre-back in the last couple of years - his performances earning rave reviews and attracting scouts from far and wide.

But he looked set for a place on the bench at best for today’s League Two opener against Macclesfield Town - with boss Paul Simpson set to opt for experienced 30-somethings Mike Jackson and Graham Coughlan.

Simpson has brought the experienced duo in from Blackpool and Rotherham respectively, and believes Langmead could learn a lot from their example.

“Kelvin has got things he can learn and he will benefit from having one of the experienced lads alongside him,” he said.

“He’s a good footballer with a great attitude and I just feel he needs to toughen up, because he does tend to beat himself up over every slight mistake.

“There aren’t many of us who have been perfect as players and he’s got to learn he will make mistakes and get over it. That would help him a lot.”

Meanwhile, striker James Constable has been told he could still have a future in Shropshire, despite being farmed out to spend the season on loan at Oxford.

The former Kidderminster man kicked the season off in a Blue Square Premier clash at Barrow last night, a match that was screened live on Setanta Sports.

And Simpson hopes a goal-laden season for the U’s could see the January signing return to the club and establish himself at League level.

“I don’t think he’s ready for League Two at this moment in time,” said Simpson. “Maybe I should have looked at a recall clause in January, but I decided not to and I thought the move would be beneficial for him and for us.

“If he goes out and performs and gets goals then he could still have a future with us. That’s something we’ll assess over the season, and we will look at it when he comes back.”