Shrewsbury Town new boy James Wallace insists he is ready to be thrown into the cut and thrust of League Two football at Dagenham & Redbridge tomorrow – if required.

Wallace only met up with his new team-mates for the first time yesterday after agreeing to an initial one-month loan from Everton.

A groin injury to Nicky Wroe means the 19-year-old is vying with Matt Richards and Sean McAllister for the central midfield starting spots.

And Wallace feels ready to make his mark if he gets the nod from Town boss Graham Turner.

“I’m fit and sharp,” said the 19-year-old, who would have been playing for the Toffees reserves against Manchester United last night had he not joined Town on loan.

“I played 15 games in League Two for Bury and Stockport last season so I know what to expect and hopefully that will help.

“I’m looking forward to my time at Shrewsbury and it’s a good opportunity for me to try and get some games under my belt.”

Wallace, who has been at his boyhood club Everton since he was 13, admitted the recent under-20 World Cup in Columbia had been a major step in his development.

“It was a great learning experience and I picked up a lot from Brian Eastwick and Stuart Pearce (coaches),” added the teenager, who only found out he would be joining Shrewsbury after a phone call from Everton reserve team boss Alan Stubbs on Wednesday.

Dagenham are at the wrong end of the table – third bottom – but Turner is expecting nothing less than a stern test.

“It’s a very dangerous game and we found that out with AFC Wimbledon as well,” said the Town chief.

In addition to the central midfield decision, Turner must also decide who leads the Town attack.

League ever present Marvin Morgan serves a one-match suspension after collecting his fifth yellow card in the goalless draw with Wimbledon.

That leaves the Town boss to perm any two from three with Terry Gornell, Tom Bradshaw and James Collins – back after being disciplined – all in contention.