Proud Harry Hooman today pledged to remain grounded after becoming Shrewsbury Town’s latest Football League debutant.

The defender made his first appearance in the closing stages of Shrewsbury’s 3-0 triumph over Northampton on Saturday, a result which maintained the excellent form of Paul Simpson’s side.

Hooman joined fellow 18-year-olds Jake Simpson and Andre Gray in breaking onto the Football League scene this season, and then revealed extra training sessions had proved crucial to the trio’s development.

“After watching a few games from the bench, I was pleased to get out there,” said Hooman.

“I’ve been working hard and doing my best in the reserves and that won’t change.

“I will keep my feet on the ground and I will be back in training today working as hard as I have been.

“I have been doing afternoon work with the other younger lads and we all need to be doing that.

“We watch games on a Saturday and we want to be playing at that level. To do that you have to do extra work because there is room for improvement.

“The gaffer has given me a chance with a professional contract and all the staff have helped the young lads with extra sessions.”

Hooman, who was born in Worcester and has been at Shrewsbury since he was 15, has revealed two of the club’s other central defenders had also offered useful advice.

“I have been trying to learn from playing in the reserves and from the likes of Mike Jackson and Graham Coughlan,” he added.

“They are two really experienced players who have been there and done it and I try and take on board everything they say to me.”

Meanwhile, Simpson has revealed that an agreement has been reached in principle with Bristol Rovers for the loan of goalkeeper Steve Phillips to be extended for a second month. The initial deal is due to expire after tomorrow’s trip to Cheltenham.

l Shrewsbury’s youngsters are in action at the Prostar Stadium tonight when they entertain Lincoln in the Midland Youth Cup (7pm). Admission is £3 adults and £1 concessions.