“Outstanding!” - Will Gray earns praise from Jamie Tolley after first Shrewsbury Town start

Teenager Will Gray has earned further praise for his impressive first start for Shrewsbury Town.

Writing in his weekly column for the Shropshire Star, former Shrewsbury midfielder Jamie Tolley heaped praise on the 17-year-old, who left the pitch to a standing ovation against Oldham Athletic.

The academy scholar made his first start just days after his 17th birthday, having impressed boss Gavin Cowan as a substitute against Bristol Rovers and Crewe Alexandra last month.

Tolley said: “I thought Will was outstanding on his first start. I was really looking forward to seeing him play.

“There has been a lot of talk about him breaking into the team as such a young player, and I can relate to that - making my debut at 16-years-old and knowing what a big occasion it is, especially as a local lad.

“Your family, your friends are there, and everyone is watching you. He went out and was so composed.

“The bravery he showed in the first half - his early tackle before then bringing the ball down on his knee and playing the simple pass to keep Shrewsbury building from the back - was excellent.

“We’ve seen this season that other players might have just cleared it long, and nine times out of 10 it would have come straight back. That bravery for such a young player was outstanding and it lifted the whole team.”

Gray played 79 minutes against Oldham before being substituted. Match-winner Will Boyle said he was the best player on the pitch at full-time.

The teenager was one of three changes following the defeat at Bromley last Tuesday, partnering Taylor Perry in a reshuffled midfield after the loss in south London.

Gray set the tone early with a strong tackle to halt an Oldham attack. He was later involved in several attacking moves and showed composure on the ball, helping Salop defend resolutely to secure a narrow win and retain their Football League status.