Shrewsbury Town boss reveals defender who will be 'really important' next season

Gavin Cowan believes Isaac Lee will be “really important” for Shrewsbury Town next season after impressing during his first-team breakthrough.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a run of three consecutive starts at the end of last season after Town secured their League Two status.

It marked Lee’s first appearances in the Football League after rising through the non-league ranks.

Asked whether he felt the defender had shown he could become a regular starter next season, Cowan said: “Yes, I mean, listen, there's areas of improvement, of course, and he'll acknowledge that himself.

“But I think particularly in the last game against Gillingham, I was highly impressed.

“I think he'll be disappointed with a couple of the goals against Fleetwood Town, and then he comes back against Gillingham with all the resilience - bravery to get on the ball, driving forward.

“He's going to be really important for us. How he comes back pre-season - I'm sure he won't be having much of a summer - he'll be getting himself fit, ready to go and being part of the squad.”

Lee had to be patient for his first appearance in blue and amber following his January move from Cymru Premier side Flint Town United, but he showcased the qualities that persuaded Salop to bring him to the club.

The defender featured in three successive matches at the end of the campaign, impressing in a central defensive role, and will now look to cement a place in the starting XI during the new season.

Shrewsbury’s defensive options have also been strengthened by the retention of both Josh Ruffels and Luca Hoole, giving Cowan several choices at the back.

Meanwhile, there have been rumours circulating about Shrewsbury making a move for AFC Telford United defender Oliver Cawthorne this summer. However, the Shropshire Star understands that Salop have not expressed any interest in the 24-year-old and are not currently pursuing his signature.

The Venezuelan impressed at the heart of the Bucks’ defence, playing a key role as they pushed for a National League North play-off place.

His performances were recognised at the club’s end-of-season awards, where he was named Junior Bucks Player of the Season and also collected the Supporters’ Player of the Year award.

Rumours online had suggested that Shrewsbury were close to agreeing a deal for the Telford defender. However, it is understood that this is not the case.