“Two No.1s” - Cowan hails Will Brook after impressive Shrewsbury Town comeback

Will Brook earned praise for reinforcing the belief that Shrewsbury Town have “two number ones” on his return to action.

Brook featured for the first time since late January last Saturday, having spent 18 games on the bench. Brentford loanee Matt Cox had kept the gloves during that run and impressed between the sticks.

However, Brook stepped back into the side and commanded his area well, producing a brilliant save before the unfortunate own goal, and drawing praise from boss Gavin Cowan.

He said: “Wasn’t he brilliant? So good, and we've said it all along.

“When I came in, Coxy sort of had the shirt, but we've got two number ones. I just thought Will was very assured.

“Coxy will probably move on - that's just the way it is. He's impressed here.

“For his development, I think he could come back with us. But I would say it was unlikely and we'd need to recruit another number one.

“But Will's done himself a really good service today and really got him in our thinking. I thought he was very assured.”

Alongside 22-year-old Brook, who joined Town from Leamington, youngsters Will Gray, Isaac Lee and Isaac England all featured for Salop last weekend.

Their involvement, and strong performances, are another positive aspect of the final months of the campaign under Gavin Cowan, who is keen to provide opportunities for them to shine and gain experience.

“We're just trying to give them a bit of exposure,” he said.

“We're seeing some really good moments and some moments of improvement, but on the whole, just real bravery.

“They'll get better. We need to know whether they're going to be part of our plans for next year, because obviously we're in a period of recruitment.

“But I thought they did great. I thought Isaac England was brilliant when he came on.

“It's going to be a big summer for us with Isaac. But he showed why he's been around at such a young age.

“He's been dogged a little bit with injury and a bit of illness. So we've not been able to utilise him as much.

“But to see him be out there, it just proves all the hard work to get this over the line ahead of time has been really worthwhile.

“It's great that we've got the balance about trying to get results and giving these players an opportunity to show what they can do.”