Proud Ryan Woods keen to kick on for Shrewsbury Town

And the 19-year old is now itching to build on a fine 90-minute display, in a less familiar right-back position, in Town's 2-2 draw at Rotherham United.

Woods has come through the club's youth ranks and made his first team debut against Oldham as a substitute towards the end of the last League One campaign after some impressive displays in the reserves.

And he was given his first competitive start at the New York Stadium at the weekend as part of an enforced defensive re-shuffle after skipper Tamika Mkandawire's wife went into labour.

Woods said: "It was definitely my proudest moment and hopefully I can get another game next week.

"I found out I was playing just after the pre-match meal. The gaffer came in and told us and I was a little bit shocked but delighted as well.

"I am hoping I have taken my chance well. I am a midfielder but when I was younger I used to play right-back so I have got a bit of experience there.

"Obviously it is completely different playing in the Football League but I was happy with my performance."

Woods admitted to suffering from a few nerves in the opening stages of the game but he found his feet quickly and is relishing the prospect of another start.

"The first five minutes I was a little bit nervous but as soon as I shepherded (Rotherham midfielder) Ben Pringle out of play in the corner I got into the game," he said.

"I am itching to be involved against Coventry next weekend. Tamika might be back in the squad next weekend but hopefully I will be pushing to start."

Woods was one of four former Shrewsbury youth team stars involved in Town's starting XI on Saturday along with Connor Goldson, Jon Taylor and Tom Bradshaw.

"There's more players waiting to come into the side," said Woods.

We have got a good youth side at the moment coming through."urrent youth team defender Dominic Smith would have also been strongly considered for a start had he not been injured due to an aggravated dead leg.

Woods believes there will be more youngsters making the breakthrough to the first team in the near future.