Shrewsbury Town were today hoping to move closer to wrapping up the short-term signing of trialist striker Moses Ashikodi.

The 21-year-old scored twice in Town reserves’ 5-0 victory over Sheffield United at the Prostar Stadium last night.

And manager Paul Simpson has confirmed he would be keen to bring Ashikodi in, possibly until the end of the season.

“Moses is different to what we have got,” said the Town boss. “I will be chatting with him again today with a view to maybe trying to get something sorted there.

“I think he has got something there that could add to what we have already got.

“I think he is one of those players who needs to get playing football now because he has had injury problems in the past.

“It’s a situation where once he gets his head down and his fitness levels up, I think he could be a talented footballer.

“We have seen him in one game and he has had three days training with us recently. I’m hoping to get something sorted out and I will look at a short term deal.”

Ashikodi began his career at Millwall and became their youngest ever player when he made his debut in March 2003 at the age of 15 years and 240 days.

A spell at West Ham followed before the Nigerian-born forward spent six months with Rangers, playing in an Old Firm derby against Celtic.

Ashikodi then moved to Watford where he played in the Premiership in 2007.

He spent the start of this season on loan with Hereford before returning to Watford. He left the Hornets at the start of the month and is currently a free agent.

Simpson also used last night’s game to run his eye over French midfielder Yacine Si Salem – but appears unlikely to take his interest in the former Le Havre player any further.

“He came from a phonecall I had from an agent who I have dealt with before from France,” revealed Simpson.

“Technically he was excellent but I just don’t think there’s enough for English football.

“If we were in a position where we could take him and work with him for 12 months, then maybe.

“Unfortunately I think we have got players in our football club who are probably ahead of him.”

By JAMES GARRISON