Niall Canavan's delighted with Shrewsbury Town push

Loan ranger Niall Canavan has spoken of his delight at swapping a relegation dogfight for the thrill of a promotion push.

The 19-year-old made an impressive Town debut in Tuesday's 3-1 away success at Rotherham after joining on loan from Scunthorpe for the rest of the season.

Canavan's parent club Scunthorpe, where he made 10 appearances earlier in the season, are in a relegation scrap in the Championship and have this week appointed former Bury chief Alan Knill as their new manager.

But the centre half is totally focused on Town's surge for a top three finish in League Two, which was continuing with this afternoon's home clash with Macclesfield.

"I have really enjoyed my first week here," said Canavan, who is just returning from a four month battle against tendonitis in his left knee.

"There was a different pressure at Scunthorpe when you are trying to win every game to survive in the Championship.

"There is a really positive environment at Shrewsbury and I'm just trying to do what I can to help the club get promoted."

Canavan missed part one of Town's Yorkshire victory double at Bradford last Saturday because he was away with Republic of Ireland under-21s in Portugal.

And, while Ireland went down 2-0 to a pair of injury time goals, Canavan — who played the opening 45 minutes — enjoyed the international experience.

"It was my first international call-up so it was a really good few days in Portugal," said Canavan, who qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents.

By JAMES GARRISON