Ryan Doble inspired by England duo

Shrewsbury Town new-boy Ryan Doble is bidding to draw inspiration from the exploits of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at Euro 2012 as he begins his career at the Greenhous Meadow.

Doble, who can play as a striker or in a withdrawn attacking role, put pen to paper on a deal with Shrewsbury yesterday.

That brought to an end his 10-year association with Southampton – who are preparing for life back in the Premier League – where he rubbed shoulders with Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain.

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And he is hoping to use the achievements of the duo, who have helped fire England into the last eight in Poland and Ukraine, as inspiration to help make an impression at his new club.

"Theo was two or three years older but we were at Southampton at the same time," said 21-year-old Doble.

"Alex came through at the same time as me so I played alongside him in the youth team and the reserves quite a bit.

"Those two lads have done brilliantly and it shows what can be done when you work hard.

"They are performing on the biggest stage in the game, which is what everyone who plays football is striving for."

Abergavenny-born Doble joined Southampton when he was 11 and made one FA Cup appearance for the Saints.

But he admitted a taste of first-team football during loan spells at Stockport, Oxford, Bournemouth and Bury over the last 18 months convinced him the time had come for a change.

"I enjoyed my time at Southampton but, after going out on loan, I found it hard to go back and not play regularly," he added.

Doble has played Welsh Under 21 football with fellow Town frontman Tom Bradshaw and was called into the full national squad alongside another former Saints team-mate Gareth Bale for Euro 2012 games against Bulgaria and Switzerland.

He was an unused substitute against Switzerland.

See also:

• Shrewsbury Town sign Welsh U21 star Ryan Doble

• Stalemate over Shrewsbury Town James Collins fee

• James Collins: Paolo Di Canio key to leaving