I’ve grown a lot at Shrewsbury, says hitman Fejiri Okenabirhie
Shrewsbury sharpshooter Fejiri Okenabirhie believes he has added more strings to his bow in a season of adapting to the demands of League One.
The 15-goal top scorer has featured in 44 games, starting 30, this term despite being largely unused by former boss John Askey.
And not only has he stepped up two levels, he has done so while switching to the role of central striker, having had a left-sided attacking role with the non-league Daggers.
The 23-year-old has found himself playing with his back to goal against hefty defenders, a different role to what he has previously experienced.
“My position has changed a bit. I’m pleased I’ve been able to adapt,” said Okenabirhie.
“It’s been made quite easy for me, the club helped me settle in, I’m pleased to be contributing to the team.
“It’s about the team moving forward and bringing my best to help us do well.
“Adapting is part of the game, you have to be able to adapt and play different roles.
“But I think I’ve done that quite well, I’ve adapted to that and added strings to my bow.
“It’s about working at it and keep improving to do the best I can.”
Ricketts is a big fan of the frontman and attempted to sign him while in charge of former club Wrexham.
He sees the striker as a natural goalscorer and a potent weapon within his Town armoury.
Okenabirhie has competed with Lee Angol, Aaron Amadi-Holloway, Lenell John-Lewis, Stefan Payne, Sam Smith and Tyrese Campbell for forward positions this term.
But those six have only mustered 12 goals between them this season, short of Okenabirhie’s tally.
Town boss Ricketts has used the striker sparingly at times since the turn of the year, suggesting fatigue has played a part in the striker’s first full season in the Football League.
He has already played more football this term than in any other season of his fledgling career.
Ricketts said: “Fey’s a goalscorer, he’s come on an awful lot. I knew of him from Dagenham and he’s young, improving and learning new things.
“He’s got a lot still to learn, I say that in a positive way.
“I think he can improve, go again and keep going. We’re certainly not seeing the finished article yet.
“People do develop at different ages, maybe the new position has suited him.”
