Sullay Kaikai inspiring at Shrewsbury Town
Boss Micky Mellon believes Shrewsbury Town whizz-kid Sullay Kaikai can inspire a generation of Shropshire footballers – after declaring he wants a team of them.
The on-loan Crystal Palace star has thrilled Town fans with five goals in his last five games to total 10 for the season.
Manager Mellon was disappointed not to see the 20-year-old selected for England Under-21s.
But the Town gaffer reckons the gifted winger can be an example to aspiring young footballers across the county as the club look to promote more home-grown talent.
He said: "He's a talented boy, and I'm pleased he's wearing a Shrewsbury shirt.
"We're trying to bring people in who inspire other local kids to want to be a footballer and to inspire young local people to watch us – and indeed for fans who have been watching us for many years to keep coming back.
"We have players that get people off their seats, or players that fight for the jersey or have other qualities fans want to see.
"I want a team full of them and I'm sure the fans are loving watching Sullay in a Shrewsbury shirt."
Meanwhile, Mellon believes the eight-game run-in will be a test of Town's improvement.
Starting with last Friday's 1-1 draw with Port Vale, every team they play is above them in the League One table. They also face five of the top six, with second-placed Wigan the visitors on Saturday.
Mellon said: "Playing against all these teams will be a measurement of how far we've come.
"But the bigger picture is for this club to continue improving – it has to. We don't want to stand still.
"It's about us getting better at counter-attacking, getting better at defending our 18-yard box – all the important factors to be successful in winning games.
"We have to concentrate more on that than how people perceive us."
Meanwhile, Town's Football League Youth Alliance Cup final against Luton is on Wednesday April 20 (7pm) at the Greenhous Meadow.
