Edwards windfall for Shrews

Shrewsbury Town are celebrating a cash windfall of £50,000 after Dave Edwards made his senior international debut - with the possibility of a first start to come tomorrow.Wales manager John Toshack turned to Edwards after just 37 minutes of Saturday's 2-2 Euro 2008 qualifying draw with Republic of Ireland at the Millennium Stadium after ex-Wolves midfielder Carl Robinson was injured.

And that meant while Shrewsbury were chalking up a priceless home success over Barnet, a perfect day was being concluded by the swelling of their coffers

Town received an initial £250,000 for Edwards' summer switch to Luton, with an extra £150,000 worked into the deal based on appearances for club and country.

And Town boss Gary Peters - who sent Edwards a congratulatory text message on Saturday night - has confirmed the first third of that is now due.

"I did deals for both Dave and Joe (Hart) where I thought we would get all the bits and pieces which were added on," he said.

"I thought the extras would come, especially with Dave because he is playing League football and he is a decent player so we will get all of that £400,000.

"I'm delighted for Dave because he's a great lad and I have had a few chats with him since he left."

Edwards was part of the Welsh squad which jetted out to Germany for their final European Championship qualifier yesterday.

And, with Robinson yet to recover from injury and Jason Koumas suspended, there is a strong possibility the 21-year-old former Mary Webb School pupil could make his first start.

"We have been told it's going to be a full house and it's going to be a massive game," said Edwards. "I'm not getting my hopes up - it's just great to be travelling and be involved and hopefully I can make myself a permanent fixture in the squad."

As well as the Peters message, Edwards also received congratulatory calls from former Town team-mates Ben Herd and Hart.

And with his parents, Randle and Kim, amongst family watching from the stands, Edwards admitted Saturday had been a monumental occasion.

"It was the best day of my footballing life so far and I'm buzzing off it," he added.

"I didn't find out I was on the bench until we left the hotel at 1pm and I thought I might get a chance to get on because the manager kept telling me to keep an eye on the midfield battle.

"I didn't see Carl go down but the next thing I knew I was on the pitch. It all happened very quickly and I managed to get 10 minutes before half-time which settled the nerves down.

"I thought I did quite well and I was just making sure I kept possession as that's vital at international level."

By James Garrison