Shropshire Star

Shrewsbury Town forward Fejiri Okenabirhie hoping to push on after Checkatrade Trophy hat-trick

Hat-trick hero Fejiri Okenabirhie is delighted to have given Shrewsbury Town boss John Askey 'something to think about' after leaving Tranmere Rovers in the dust.

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Okenabirhie was the star performer as Town thrashed old chief Micky Mellon's Rovers 6-0 in the Checkatrade Trophy.

It was just his second start for Salop and puts him right in contention for the XI as they return to League One action at Fleetwood Town on Saturday.

"Six goals and a hat-trick for myself. It was a great night for me," said Okenabirhie.

"You've got to be patient and wait for your opportunity in the team.

"Every time you play, you've got to give the manager something to think about.

"You've got to stay ready. I'm glad I was able to do well and hopefully, I can push on now.

"Every player wants to play and I'm no different. I want to play as well.

"I've just got to keep pushing and show everyone what I can do and help the team."

Okenabirhie was signed from National League side Dagenham & Redbridge over the summer.

"When everything is ticking like that, it's great to play," he added.

"It's a great feeling. It's always good to score goals and getting three in one game doesn't come around often so I'm going to enjoy it. Hopefully, there's more to come."

Askey heaped praise on the 22-year-old too.

"Not only the goals, I thought his all-round play was very good as well," he said.

"Goals are what we've been lacking.

"I'd had a word with him. I thought he let his standards slip from pre-season but then over these past couple of weeks, he's come again.

"The reason why I signed him is because of what he showed out there.

"We know he's got the ability and it was about making that step to first team football."