Sam Ricketts proud of Shrewsbury players and confirms Lenell John-Lewis long-term injury
Shrewsbury Town were dealt a double blow after bowing out of the Checkatrade Trophy on penalties - while forward Lenell John-Lewis was confirmed to have a cruciate knee ligament injury.
A youthful Town team consisting of 11 changes lead against League Two Port Vale through Ryan Sears' goal until they were pegged back seven minutes from time.
The hosts prevailed 4-3 on spot-kicks after Alex Gilliead and Abo Eisa missed from 12 yards for Salop.
Shrews chief Sam Ricketts said of his team's performance: "I'm pleased with the overall performance. It was all the lads that haven't played really.
"To give them a chance to play and impress, I thought the effort was excellent, I was just disappointed to concede a poor goal late on.
"It was more down to fatigue, because the players haven't played 90 minutes for such a long time, you could see that in the latter stages.
"I thought young James Rowland was excellent, 17 years of age, I thought he was excellent. That's what myself and the club like to do, promote youth.
"He's been given opportunities in the past and grab them. He earned it tonight and again didn't let anyone down."
Boss Ricketts confirmed after the game that yesterday's scan on John-Lewis showed the full extent of the left knee injury suffered against Stoke on Saturday.
"Lenny's had a scan and it is, unfortunately, the injury we all feared, his cruciate ligament," the boss added.
"Now he'll be getting assessed and given the right treatment to get back fit to continue his career in six, seven, eight months however long it takes.
"His rehab won't be rushed, it'll be done right and he can pick up where he left off."
