Lino Sousa: I want to take Shrewsbury Town back where it belongs

Loanee Lino Sousa has set his sights on helping to take Shrewsbury Town “back where it belongs”.

The left-sided defender checked in at the Meadow on a season-long loan from Aston Villa on Monday, ahead of the transfer window’s conclusion.

Sousa, 21, bolsters Gavin Cowan’s defensive options for the season and has set his sights on helping Town climb the standings after a difficult few years.

“It’s really good, I am really delighted to get this done, and just excited to get going,” Sousa said.

“I think we’ve got a really good group, really nice guys. Hopefully we can connect to the fan base again, and take the club back to where it belongs.”

Sousa became Salop’s second loanee to arrive from Villa Park this summer, following the signing of goalkeeper Sam Proctor in July. He explained that Cowan’s project was one he was keen to be part of.

“The conversation stuck out with me with the manager - his belief in me, the things he said, the things he wants to achieve, and how he plays,” Sousa added.

“I think it suits me as a player as well, and it’s something that, as soon as I heard, I wanted to get on board with.”

The Lisbon-born full-back arrives from Villa having already had loan spells across the EFL, including his first with Plymouth Argyle in the Championship.

Spells with Bristol Rovers and, most recently, Rotherham United in League One followed, although the latter was cut short by injury last season. Now, the 21-year-old is looking to kick on at Salop.

He said: “It’s really important for me. I’ve had a period of injuries, a standstill period in my career, which obviously happens unfortunately. But it’s part and parcel of football.

“Coming here is the right step for me to pick up where I left off and show what I can do.”

Sousa described himself as predominantly a left-back, but said he can also operate as a left wing-back, a position Town use, as well as on the left wing or at left centre-half.

Asked what he will bring to Salop, Sousa added: “Just passion, just work rate. Try to do the right things, but first and foremost, just work hard.

“I like to run with the ball, cross, like defending, I take pride in that, and just show a real bundle of energy.”