Shrewsbury Town’s young hopefuls have been given extra time to prove themselves worthy of a professional contract at the Prostar Stadium.

Former manager Gary Peters tended to make the call on the third year scholars in the winter, last year releasing the entire batch on to the football scrapheap before some of them had even turned 18.

But current boss Paul Simpson has told head of youth Nigel Vaughan he would give them as long as possible to develop – with no decisions being made until March at the earliest.

The youth team have a Midland Youth Cup semi-final against Rushden & Diamonds on March 9 and the whole squad will be kept together until that game.

And should they make the final then Simpson will not announce any decisions about the nine whose future is on the line until after that match either.

“We’ve gone from chalk to cheese in that Paul Simpson is very interested in the youths and bringing our own players through,” a delighted Vaughan revealed.

“He’s told me there are a number of players in the youth squad who he feels have got a chance of getting a pro contract – he’s been a breath of fresh air when it comes to the youth set-up and the centre of excellence.

“I’m pleased, because last season decisions were made even before Christmas about the players and when some of them don’t turn 18 until June it’s a little hard because they haven’t had time to fully develop.”

The Rushden cup tie will be hosted at the Prostar Stadium and Vaughan is hopeful his young charges can progress and lift the trophy.

“If we get to the final Paul’s said he will keep them all on for that game, which is only right,” he added.

“If we get knocked out then some of the nine may get told then that they haven’t got a pro contract,” he added.

“But those who are in with a chance will carry on with us until April to get the chance to show what they can do.”

By CHRIS HUDSON