Kane Smith to feature for Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town are set to hand trialist Kane Smith a second chance to impress before making a decision on his future.
The 20-year-old attacking Hitchin Town right-back has been on trial at the Greenhous Meadow for the last two weeks.
Now he's set for a public chance to shine in Saturday's friendly at home to Championship side Cardiff City.
Hitchin Town boss Mark Burke said: "I expect him to play some part of the game this weekend against Cardiff."
But it's understood Burke expects to know one way or another what's happening to the player, who would command a fee as he is under contract, after this weekend.
The Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division club posted this message on their official website: "Everybody at Hitchin wishes him well and hopes he can secure his move to a League club."
Smith played the second half of last Saturday's 2-2 draw in a behind-closed-doors game away to Wolves.
He's impressed his prospective team-mates in the sessions under boss Micky Mellon and the fitness and coaching staff.
But now fans are set to get a glimpse of the highly-rated former Luton Town academy scholar in the flesh as Town appear in front of their supporters for the first time this summer.
Town have signed one attacking right-back this summer in latest capture Joe Riley.
But they have lost Jack Grimmer back to Fulham and Matt Tootle has joined Notts County, while Jermaine Grandison has been released.
Mellon is understood to have at least one place left in his squad and said this week he wants to bolster his strike-force, after the departure of James Collins to Crawley.
Meanwhile, freed Shrewsbury midfielder Jordan Clark is on trial at League Two Plymouth Argyle.
The 22-year-old played the full 90 minutes at Tavistock in a pre-season friendly on Monday night.
Fellow out-of-contract pair Mark Halstead and James Wesolowski continue to train with Town.
Goalkeeper Halstead had been expected to sign a contract, but there has been a delay. Wesolowski was offered a new deal by the club.
Tyrone Barnett, whose future has also been the subject of speculation, is also still training with the squad.
The 30-year-old striker has a year left on his contract and spent the second half of last season on loan at Southend.
Shrimpers boss Phil Brown has stated they would sign him if he was available on a free transfer.
