Rookie defender Harry Hooman believes regular first team football is an achievable target as he celebrates a new contract with Shrewsbury Town.

The 19-year-old was one of five players offered fresh deals by managerless Town earlier this month.

And the youngster, who graduated through the Shrewsbury youth system, wasted little time in putting pen to paper on the one-year extension.

Hooman captained the reserve team in the second half of last season, and also made three first team starts and one substitute appearance.

And now he is hoping to make a greater impact on the first team stage next season – whoever is in charge.

His chances are boosted by a shortage of central defenders at present.

The decision to release Graham Coughlan frees up one space, while Australian Shane Cansdell-Sherriff has yet to commit his future despite being offered a new deal.

And that leaves Kelvin Langmead as the club’s only recognised senior centre half on the books.

“I was really, really pleased to be offered a deal, especially with the uncertainty of having no manager at the moment,” said the Worcester-born Hooman.

“It’s another chance for me to continue my development.

Frustrating

“I felt I improved as a player last season, getting advice from the coaches and experienced players like Mike Jackson and Graham Coughlan.

“I was involved in the first team squad quite a bit last season, but most of it was as a substitute.

“It was a bit frustrating not to get more action and the target for me now is to try and get more first team football.

“But I’m not really looking beyond pre-season.

“It’s important I come back fresh and ready to go in pre-season and make a good first impression on whoever the new manager is.

“We have been given strength and conditioning programmes so there will be a lot of work over the summer.”

Town remain on the hunt for a new boss after revealing yesterday that a short-list had been drawn up.

By JAMES GARRISON