"Play him or loan him!" Strong verdict on Shrewsbury youngster

The club may want to wait and see who they can bring in before making a decision on where Bloxham’s future will be in the next six months – but another loan move would surely suit all parties.

One thing that is for sure is that he will not be sold this month – Matt Taylor clarified that in his press conference before Stevenage.

The Town head coach also stressed that if Bloxham were to spend the remainder of the season with his parent club then he would need to be starting, or finishing each game.

If that is something Town cannot offer him then he will need to get minutes elsewhere.

The 20-year-old did not manage to score for the Shrimps in their league campaign, but he did manage a couple of goals in cup games against League One opposition.

There is an obvious benefit to a young player going out and getting playing time. How else are they supposed to learn their trade?

His development is important and with the way the team is shaping up at the moment, it looks as if Tunmise Sobowale, who is playing on the right side of the front three, looks set for a spell in the team.

There is also the fact they have just signed Roland Idowu from the League of Ireland – he, too, plays on the right side, so competition for places in that area of the field is high.

In recent weeks Town have played a 3-4-3 formation, but for most of the season, they have chosen to operate without wingers in a 3-5-2.

With that in mind, if Taylor were to switch back to that formation it is hard to see where Bloxham fits in.

In essence, Bloxham is a talent, but at this stage that is all he is. He needs to learn how to use that skill, like he has done for the first half of the season. Sitting on Town’s bench makes no sense regardless of how desperate Shrews are.