Derry City interested in Shrewsbury Town skipper Carl Winchester

The Northern Irishman has made more than 100 appearances for Town ever since first arriving at the Croud Meadow from Sunderland in 2022. 

But speaking after Salop’s recent game at Leyton Orient, Winchester revealed that living away from home has taken more of a toll on him this season than before.  

Winchester’s partner and daughter live in his native Belfast with the midfielder understood to want to return home to his family. 

Town are believed to be sympathetic to Winchester’s personal circumstances with Derry now offering the 31-year-old the chance to end his career in his homeland. 

But with Gareth Ainsworth’s side facing a huge derby against Wrexham on Thursday, the club is reluctant to let their captain leave imminently. 

Speaking after the game at Leyton Orient – a match that saw Winchester make his 500th professional appearance – Winchester said: “I think this year I have struggled the most off the pitch. 

"My little girl is a lot older now, and she has realised that I am not about. 

"So off the pitch this season it has been really, really, tough. 

"Stuff like getting to 500 games shows that if you stick it out, and you work hard, you can reach milestones like this. 

"It is hard being over here with all your family back in Ireland. It is the sacrifices they make for me to have this career. 

“At the minute as well, it is hard because there is so much travelling involved. 

“Sometimes it is a bit too much for her (his daughter), and she might get upset when she has to travel, and it is not fair on her sometimes. 

"It is harder now as she is getting older. It is just one of those things."