Shrewsbury Town new boy Darren McKnight 'a real talent', says Micky Mellon
Shrewsbury Town believe they have secured "a real talent" in teenage Barnsley midfielder Darren McKnight.
The 19-year-old Northern Ireland youth international has signed a one-year deal with a 12-month option in the club's favour.
McKnight, a defensive midfielder, has been snapped up after a trial at the club last season in which he played several reserve games.
He was released from Oakwell in January after his six-month contract expired.
And having known the youngster when he was with the Tykes, boss Micky Mellon was happy to give him a chance at the Greenhous Meadow.
Mellon is excited about the new arrival, who becomes the club's fifth summer signing after Mat Sadler, Martin Woods, Abu Ogogo and Shaun Whalley.
"Darren is a real talent and a lad that I knew from Barnsley," said Mellon.
"We have been massively impressed with him. In youth football he was always someone who was highly regarded by all clubs so we were delighted to bring him in.
"Coming into our environment, we think he will get better and better.
"He's a midfield player who's a really technically gifted lad who has a great range of passing. He fits the sort of profile of player we want to bring in underneath the first team and we hope he can bridge that gap and try to get into the first team."
McKnight believes he can make things happen from midfield.
"I thought I played well in the couple of games and managed to get a goal with a free-kick for the reserves," he said. "And training with the squad, it was a great atmosphere to be in at the end of the season.
"I'd describe myself as a defensive-minded midfield player who gets on the ball and gets stuff happening and comes up with the occasional goal.
"I'm going to Shrewsbury to get as many games as I can."
McKnight contacted Mellon when he was released from Oakwell and says he knows what the Scot wants.
"I know what he's about and what he expects from me as a player and what he wants from the team – and I feel I fit that mould," he said.
Having represented Northern Ireland at youth level, McKnight is now anticipating the European Under-21s Championship qualifiers in the autumn.
"I'm looking forward to that," he said.
"You're going into a more competitive environment because you're playing with players in a league higher than you, so you have to raise your game."
