Born in Jamaica, Humphrey moved to England when he was five and joined up with Walsall four years later.

A switch to the West Bromwich Albion youth structure arrived two years later but Humphrey’s stint at the Hawthorns came to an end without a first-team appearance.

Now the teenager is hoping to repay the faith displayed by Shrewsbury boss Gary Peters who completed the deal on the back of one reserve team showing.

“I’m really excited about coming to Shrewsbury,” said the Walsall-based Humphrey.

“My time at the Albion was brilliant but it didn’t look like I was going to get a contract. They said that I could stop until Christmas to try and earn a deal but all the hints were that I would get nothing.

“They said I could start looking for other clubs and I know Stockport and York were watching me.

“But when I knew Shrewsbury were interested I knew that’s where I wanted to go.

“I spoke to the manager and was very impressed with what he said – that’s one of the big reasons I wanted to come here.”

Peters has been impressed with the immediate impact Humphrey has made in training and had not ruled out a place in the 16 for the youngster for this afternoon’s visit of Lincoln.

Shrewsbury’s home game with Macclessfield has been rescheduled for Friday October 6, brought forward a day to avoid a clash with England’s Euro 2008 qualifier against Macedonia at Old Trafford.

By JAMES GARRISON

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