Young guns eye Mark Halsead's Town spot

Rookie Shaun Rowley joined Halstead and first-choice Jayson Leutwiler in the senior ranks yesterday when he signed his first professional contract, pledging his future for next season plus a 12-month option.

Along with 18-year-old Rowley, Town have England age group prospects Callum Burton, 18, and Harry Lewis, 17, waiting for their chance.

Boss Micky Mellon believes the young trio can challenge 24-year-old Halstead for a place in the first-team squad.

"For some time Shrewsbury has been known for producing talented goalkeepers," said Mellon.

"At the minute we have three young, very talented young goalkeepers and they will be given the time and the coaching needed from Danny Coyne (goalkeeping coach) to keep moving them along.

"Shaun can certainly count himself comfortably among them. Hopefully they will challenge Mark for the number two spot, then they can have a go at getting Jayson Leutwiler's first-team position."

The success of England keeper Joe Hart, who came through the ranks at Town before finding superstardom with Manchester City, has given fellow Shrewsbury-born shot-stopper Rowley the belief he can follow in his footsteps.

But there are current examples in Player of the Year Connor Goldson and Ryan Woods, and Mellon believes it's vital they keep the tradition going.

"I'm delighted about that because it's important to develop our own talent," said the Scot.

"We're getting young players through and it means if you come to Shrewsbury as a young player, you'll get an opportunity to make your way to the first team."

After a season where he was sent out on a youth loan to Watford and served Market Drayton, Rowley has progressed both physically and in terms of experience.

"He's a lad of great promise," said Mellon. "All the time he's got better and better and he's impressed us. He just seems to be getting bigger and taller as well."