Shaun Whalley: I see some of myself in Shrewsbury youngster Ryan Barnett

There are 12 years between the flying wingers but Whalley and Barnett have a close relationship and Town’s’ long-serving ace is giving pointers to help Barnett progress.

Barnett, 19, from Wellington, is starring on loan at AFC Telford United and Whalley – a former Bucks star himself – sees shades of the talented teenager in his game.

Another contingent of Town youngsters are attracting attention. Academy graduate Ryan Sears, 20, started in the league for just the second time and put in a man of the match display at Barnsley on Good Friday.

And exciting 17-year-old midfielder James Rowland penned his first senior contract last week.

Wing wizard Barnett, whose quick feet are one of his key strengths, has gained vital experience playing 23 games for Gavin Cowan’s promotion-chasers.

“Ryan Barnett I like a lot. I think he’s quite similar to myself in the way he plays,” said Whalley, 31.

“Obviously he’s quite a bit younger than me but I see a lot of him in my early days.

“I try to help him along, he’s a really good player I think.

“Since I’ve been here a lot of the young lads have done really well.

“A couple of them have gone on and done really well elsewhere as well.

“I didn’t know that Rolo was signing his new contract so congratulations to him! He’s a good lad, he tries hard and works hard. He can do good things in the game.”

Newtown youngster Sears, a former Robins and Telford loanee, has made 10 appearances for Town’s first team in his breakthrough season.

“I think Sears did really, really well at Barnsley and has done really well every time he’s been asked to play,” Whalley, who is out of contract this summer, added.

“Long may that continue, I wouldn’t say it was hostile there but it was very loud when we came out and it could probably take a few players under but Sears didn’t, he stood up to it.

“I think he loved everything in it and did well. One hundred per cent he can have a future. He’s only played a few games but hasn’t looked out of place.”

Barnett’s contract is up at Montgomery Waters Meadow this season, though the club have an option on a further 12 months.

He has also been training at Town’s Sundorne base, where he receives support and encouragement from Whalley – and picks up as many tips as possible from Salop’s No.7.

“I’ve been watching Shrewsbury for years now and since he’s come in I’ve watched him a lot,” said Barnett, who also used to watch hometown club Telford as a youngster.

“I like to think some things in his game I try to do in my game. He’s a great player, I think he’s one of the best I’ve ever trained and played with.

“He’s the first one to text me after the game, if I’ve done well he’ll say ‘well done Barn, keep it up.’

“Little things like that from older pros give you a massive confidence boost because he doesn’t have to do that. That little text boosts you.

“I see him dribbling past people all the time and I’m studying him. He’s also played right wing-back this season, we spoke about it a couple of times. He sees it as a positive, it’s another position for him and me.”