Boss Paul Simpson insists he will not throw Dutchman Benjamin van den Broek into his Shrewsbury Town line-up until he is sure he is ready.

The attacking midfielder has featured regularly for the reserves but has only got as far as being an unused substitute for the first team since joining the club last month.

And Simpson is in no rush to throw the latest member of Town’s Foreign Legion into the thick of battle in League Two.

“He’s getting used to English football and the pace of the game, which is very different to what he is used to in Holland,” said the Shrewsbury manager.

“He’s a good lad, he’s brave and gets into challenges and he wants to be involved.

“Hopefully soon an opportunity will come for him to come on, but I will only do it when it is the right time and I will not be swayed because people are eager to see him.

“So far, his training and his football in the reserves has been good enough to be involved on the bench and his chance will come.”

Meanwhile, Simpson hopes young forward Andre Gray will benefit by being sent out for his second loan spell of the season.

Gray has already had two months at AFC Telford United and has now joined the Bucks’ Blue Square North promotion rivals Hinckley United for another month.

“He needs to go out and play football because he’s only been on the outskirts of our first team recently,” said the Town boss.

“He’s got pace and power in abundance, but he needs to learn the game and improve on the technical side.

“Hopefully he can have a good month with Hinckley and develop his game.”

By CHRIS HUDSON