Steve Kittrick sets sights on trio of trialists

The manager is preparing to snap up three of the seven freed youngsters who have joined pre-season training, including striker Niall Flint who has gone on trial at Ross County.

Kittrick admits it could be a gamble as they have not played senior football, but thinks they are worth a go.

"We're hoping to get two or three of them to put pen to paper this week," he said.

"The way they have performed in training, they have done well, but the downside is they haven't played men's football yet.

"They may have been used to playing Under-21s football which is totally different to anything.

"We're playing at a level of football where you really see what it's all about."

Flint, who came through Shrewsbury Town's academy, has gone on trial at Scottish Premier outfit Ross County.

Kittrick is prepared to gamble on him, especially in a position where he also has the experience of Dave Hibbert.

"We want to have a look at Niall and one or two others," said the boss.

"He's got great feet and bags of pace but the question is: 'Is he physically strong enough to play men's football?'

"If he does come through, then he's probably someone who we will give a few games to and then take him out for a breather, then put him back in.

"He will probably be an impact player."

Flint was joined on trial at Telford by fellow freed Town scholars right-back Ryan Hickman, centre-half Jeff Watkins and central midfielder Alex Fletcher.

Kittrick still wants to add an experienced centre-back, with Neill Byrne set to join Macclesfield and Ian Sharps having signed for Chester earlier in the summer.