Shaun Rowley pens his new deal at Town

The 18-year-old prospect between the sticks has signed a one-year deal with a 12-month option.

He will compete with first choice Jayson Leutwiler and experienced Mark Halstead, plus England age-group internationals Callum Burton and Harry Lewis.

Shrewsbury-born Rowley has been with the club since he was nine-years-old and wants to follow in the footsteps of England regular Hart.

The shot-stopper said: "I'm really happy - I've been here all through my childhood and to sign professional is what I wanted.

"We've got a lot of good keepers and so I went out on loan to Watford for four or five months then came back and went on loan to Market Drayton and that helped me.

"I ended the season well and impressed and I'm just happy to sign.

"There are seven or eight goalkeepers who have made it through the academy to play in the first-team.

"That just shows they are looking at the youth team and they have a plan for everyone who comes through.

"I just want to carry on working hard and see what happens - play whenever and get games - but I want to be the best.

"I first signed here when I was nine-years-old and got my scholarship early, so there have been quite a few youth-team coaches along the way and they have all given me opportunities.

"Dave Hughes especially, as he got me down to Watford as well and he's done as much as anyone. It just shows it can be done, to go through the academy and play for the first team."

With five professional goalkeepers, Rowley recognises competition is fierce.

But he is determined to impress and do whatever it takes to earn a place after loan spells at Watford and Market Drayton Town last season.

He said: "The competition is massive - I'm just going to use this year to work as hard, as I can and if they want me to go out on loan.

"I'll go out on loan, if they want me to play for the reserves, I'll play any games I can to try to impress."