Shrewsbury Town on the verge of goalkeeper signing

Shrewsbury Town are closing in on the signing of a new goalkeeper, boss Gavin Cowan has confirmed.

The new arrival is expected to join the club imminently and could report for training as early as Thursday.

Cowan revealed the news after goalkeeping coach Harry Burgoyne played the second half of Shrewsbury’s opening pre-season fixture against Stafford Rangers.

He said: “We’ve got a goalkeeper coming in. He’s at the game tonight actually, our new goalkeeper.

“I think he’s coming in a little bit ahead of time now, which is nice. I think he’ll be in with us Thursday, so there will be a little bit more to reveal on that.

“But, Harry is still more than capable, as you saw tonight. He's still very assured, very confident in himself.

“He could definitely still play at a level and he’s just done a great job, putting in a great turn for us tonight, as he always does.

“Everything I ask of him, you know, he goes above and beyond in doing. He did a really good turn tonight, so I’m appreciative of that.”

Burgoyne’s appearance came after Cowan previously said he could be called upon if required.

The Salop boss said Burgoyne still had a “thirst to play”, although the club were guiding him towards a longer-term coaching career.

Burgoyne rejoined Shrewsbury in February as goalkeeping coach following Brian Jensen’s departure.

While Cowan acknowledged Burgoyne could provide cover when needed, he also made it clear the club intended to recruit another goalkeeper, with that signing now expected to be completed soon.

Shrewsbury currently have just one senior goalkeeper in the squad, with 22-year-old Will Brook starting the first half against Stafford on Tuesday night.

Brook featured in Town’s final two matches of last season after spending 18 games on the bench while Brentford loanee Matt Cox held the gloves and impressed.