Omer's promotion dream

Omer Riza has set his sights on a happy ending to "15 months of torture" – by helping fire Shrewsbury Town into League One.

The former Arsenal apprentice made his eagerly-anticipated Town debut as a substitute in the 2-1 victory at Rotherham on Saturday, a result that catapulted Shrewsbury back into the play-off positions.

It marked the end of a bleak period for Riza, who had been serving a Turkish FA-imposed ban following his controversial departure from Trabzonspor.

The 29-year-old has been training with Town for months, but had not been able to take part in any first or reserve team matches until his ban was finally overturned by a Swiss judge.

"After 15 months of what has basically been torture, it was nice to finally get out there on the pitch for Shrewsbury and give them a little bit," he said.

"On top of that, to get a first win away from home for so long was great and a lot of results went for us as well so I'm very happy.

"I've got a lot more to give, but I was over the moon to be able to get on for those 20 minutes or so.

"Now it's time to push that little bit more, get into those play-offs and hopefully get up to League One."

Looking ahead to next season, he added: "I've got to sit down with the gaffer and have a talk and hopefully we can sort something out and I can have a regular part in the team and give something to the club that maybe they haven't got at the moment."

Riza only discovered he had been cleared to play as he was travelling home to London with his family after training on Friday.

And he admits he is relieved to put the whole nightmare behind him and have the opportunity to remind people of his ability.

"I was on the M1 heading home when I got the call saying that clearance had been given, so I was very happy," he added.

"I dropped the wife and kids off and came straight back up in the morning.

"I've lost a lot of form and I've had a lot of sad days, but hopefully it's all behind me now and I can get on with my career," added Riza.

"What they (the Turkish FA) have done is wrong and they need to be punished for it, but first and foremost I've got to worry about what I do on the pitch."

Riza may be involved in tonight's reserve team clash at Walsall (7pm).

Midfielder Kevin McIntyre has also been pencilled in for an outing as he continues his comeback from injury.

By JAMES GARRISON