Tom Bradshaw extends Shrewsbury Town contract

Striker Tom Bradshaw today handed Shrewsbury Town a major boost ahead of tonight's top-of-the-table showdown at Southend by signing a contract extension.

The 19-year-old has reached an agreement to remain with Town until the end of the 2012-13 campaign.

While Bradshaw is being forced to bide his time for regular first team football, he has enjoyed a memorable week with news of his contract extension preceeded by a second Welsh under 21 squad call-up for next week's two UEFA qualifiers against Montenegro and the Czech Republic.

"I've been hoping to be able to sign it for a couple of weeks so it's great to get it all sorted," said Bradshaw.

"I'm happy to be with Shrewsbury Town as the club has a big place in my heart "

Boss Graham Turner is delighted to secure the services of one of his promising band of youngeters.

"Despite not being in the starting line-up at present Tom is continuing to make progress with ourselves and the Welsh U21s," said the Shrewsbury chief.

"There is no doubt that Tom has the potential to became a very good goal-scorer."

Meanwhile, dependable defender Shane Cansdell-Sherriff looks set to return to the Town line-up as they battle with Southend for pole position in League Two at Roots Hall.

The Australian has been out for the last two weeks with a hamstring strain but, with fellow centre half Reuben Hazell beginning a long injury lay-off, he is on course to make a timely return.

That is likely to be the only change to the starting line-up with Jermaine Grandison set to shrug off minor concerns over a knee injury to partner Cansdell-Sherriff.

Captain Ian Sharps could be in contention for a place in the squad after a calf problem.

A Town victory or draw in the third-versus-second battle will see them move into top spot, at least until the remainder of the League Two weekend programme takes place.

Southend will go to the summit should they earn a fourth successive victory.

By JAMES GARRISON