Former Shrewsbury allrounder Jack Shantry returns to London Road tomorrow celebrating a potential breakthrough into the First Class game.

The 21-year-old has been handed a summer contract by Worcestershire after impressing for the Pears in second XI cricket at the end of last season and start of this term.

Shantry has taken 18 wickets at an average of nine in his five Second XI Championship matches so far, and was informed of his contract during a visit to New Road by coach Steve Rhodes.

“It’s fantastic,” said Shantry. “I was invited down by Steve Rhodes on Tuesday and I thought it was just for him to look how I was bowling.

“But he offered me a contract which was a very pleasant surprise.

“The summer contract means I can finish my studies at university (in Manchester where he is studying English language) and then be training every day with the first team after my last exam on June 4.

“I’ve been give a chance and it’s up to me to try and take it now and prove I can move up to the next level.”

Shantry, whose brother Adam plays for Glamorgan, is looking forward to returning to Shrewsbury with his new club and reigning Birmingham League premier division champions Walsall after spending four years at London Road.

“I’m looking forward to it,” added Shantry. “It should be good to see the boys again. I saw a few of them at the Shropshire game on Sunday and they were all being very friendly.

“I’m not sure how friendly they will be tomorrow!

“It was a wrench to leave and a very difficult decision to make. I think it has been well documented it was a financial decision.

“But I still keep in touch with the boys and love coming back to the club.”

Shrewsbury, meanwhile, will be boosted by a first outing of the season for all-rounder Rob Foster who is returning from Cardiff University.

Mike Barnard and Jon Anders also come into the team with Steve Wilderspin, Sam Jones and Matt Swift dropping out.

“It should be a good game,” said Shrewsbury captain Ed Foster.

“They are obviously a strong side but Barnt Green were last week and we pushed them all the way before losing by one wicket in the last over.”

By JAMES GARRISON