Simpson cannot wait for winger

Manager Paul Simpson today admitted he can’t consider Chris Humphrey for first team duty at Shrewsbury Town – until the winger commits his long-term future to the club.

While the Town boss has wrapped up a deal for 19-year-old goalkeeper Andreas Arestadu, who was formerly on the books of Blackburn, the plans of Humphrey are far from clear.

The former Baggies youngster was at Town’s Sundorne training base this morning for the start of pre-season training, but has yet to sign the two-year contract which is on the table.

Shrewsbury would be entitled to compensation should he move on as Humphrey is under 24, with Simpson last week revealing a bid had been rejected from a Championship club.

But the Town boss has admitted that, at this stage at least, Humphrey can’t come into his plans without signing the deal.

“I would like Chris to stay but if he comes back on a week-to-week contract I cannot seriously consider him for first team football because I don’t know where he is going to be,” he said.

“I can’t do my preparations for the Burton Albion game (first League match) and involve Chris because he could just go at any point.

“At this moment, I can’t really be having him in my thoughts. He will come and train with us, but whether he stays remains to be seen.”

Simpson also re-iterated that he doesn’t expect Ben Davies to return to the club, and has offered a contract to a potential replacement.

Former England youth international Arestadu – who has a Greek father – has signed on a one-year-deal, with a one-year-option, after being released by Rovers.

Simpson said: “I’ve watched how he has developed and I think he is a goalkeeper with potential.

“He will come in as another young pro who I’m hoping we will be able to develop over the season and see if he can make the step up to first-team football.”

Simpson revealed he remains on the hunt for another senior goalkeeper, and has three options.

By JAMES GARRISON