Shrewsbury Town snap up Darren McKnight

The 19-year-old Northern Ireland youth international has signed a one-year deal with a 12-month option in the club's favour.

McKnight, a defensive midfielder, has been snapped up after a lengthy trial at the club last season when he played several reserve games.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted to come to Shrewsbury. I've been here over the past few months on trial and I'm just happy to get things done.

"I was very happy (with how the trial period went). I thought I played well in a couple of games.

"I managed to get a goal with a free-kick for the reserves and, training with the squad, it was a great atmosphere to be in at the end of the season.

"Looking at the team last year and how positive everything was, it's a great environment for me to go into and challenge myself.

"I'd describe myself as a defensive-minded midfield player who gets on the ball, gets stuff happening and comes up with the occasional goal.

"I'm going to Shrewsbury to see how well I can push and get as many games as I can."

McKnight is familiar wirh manager Micky Mellon from their time at Oakwell together and believes he knows what the Scot wants.

He said: "I know the gaffer well from when he was at Barnsley. I got released there and I was able to get in contact with him and he offered me the chance come down.

"I know what he's about and what he expects from me as a player and what he wants from the team, I feel I fit that mould.

"I'm only young, but I'm still going to push myself and see how far I can get this year and see where it takes me."