Isaac Fletcher compared to former Shrewsbury Town striker by boss Gavin Cowan

Summer Shrewsbury Town recruit Isaac Fletcher has been compared to former Salop forward Michael Symes by boss Gavin Cowan.

Fletcher has made an impressive start to life at the Croud Meadow after joining from Barrow for an undisclosed fee, scoring twice during pre-season - including a stunning winner against Aston Villa’s youngsters on Saturday.

And Cowan has praised his new attacking midfielder’s qualities, likening him to a former striker he played alongside during his time at Town.

Asked about Fletcher’s winning goal, Cowan said: “It’s what he does, he scores goals. I’ve known him from a distance for a long time.

“I understood his time at Spennymoor and he got the move to Barrow, which was fully deserved because he was way ahead, straight ahead, really, at that level.

“He’s always just got a knack for goals. He’s reliable out of possession. When the ball turns over, he’s really good at retaining it and being efficient.

“He just has a knack of arriving. Any sort of rebound, second phase, any pullback, he’s good at it.

“We saw today, he got it on the second phase and just he’s a very good finisher.

“He reminds me a lot of Michael Symes, who we had here when I played. He really reminds me of his efficiency in finishing - he doesn’t waste anything, doesn’t waste any chances.

“So, yes, it’s great to have him in and around the team and the squad. He’s settling in really well.”

The 6ft 4in midfielder became Salop’s second summer signing after joining from Barrow. He scored seven goals and registered two assists in 31 League Two appearances last season.

Fletcher moved to Barrow from Spennymoor Town for an undisclosed fee on a two-and-a-half-year deal in January last year, having impressed in non-league football.