Joe Murphy targets place as Sam Ricketts' No.1 after joining Shrewsbury Town from Bury

The 37-year-old, who follows goalkeeping coach Brian Jensen from Bury, has agreed a one-year deal.

As first revealed by the Shropshire Star on Tuesday, boss Sam Ricketts was keen to add the veteran shot-stopper to his ranks. He is also still in the market for at least one other keeper.

And, while the Irishman knows outsiders will point to his advancing years, he says he is feeling sharp and ready to fight the shirt come the opening day visit of Portsmouth on August 3.

Murphy said: “I know a lot of the fans here will be looking at my age but I’m here to play football.

“I know there will be another keeper coming through the door but I want to be playing in that first game of the season.

“Age is just a number and I feel as great as I have ever done.

“I feel sharp in training, played a lot of games last season and I think I was very consistent.

“I’ll be looking to do the same again this year and I know there will be a fight for the shirt.

“That’s something I’m willing to do and fight hard for.

“I feel I’ve got better as I have got older and hopefully I can show that.

“You don’t train during the week just to sit on the bench. I’ve come here to get my appearances up.”

Ex-Scunthorpe and Coventry keeper Murphy, who started life as a professional with Tranmere Rovers in 1998, was named in the 2018/19 League Two team of the year after playing 52 games in all competitions last season.

Murphy has amassed more than 600 appearances in all competitions throughout his career.

Town boss Ricketts wants three goalkeepers next season and – prior to snapping up Murphy – only had Cameron Gregory on the books.