Gareth Ainsworth outlines the role of his latest Shrewsbury Town additions

 Salop have added three players to their squad so far this month. 

Callum Stewart joined from National League North side Leamington last week and found himself in the squad for Salop's famous cross-border derby win against Wrexham just 24 hours later. 

But Stewart is not the only player to come from non-league as Ricardo Dinanga joined from Shropshire rivals AFC Telford United - he had scored 12 goals in 28 games for the Bucks this season. 

Both players, 23, have signed two-and-a-half-year deals at the Croud Meadow, which will keep them at Shrewsbury until the summer of 2027. 

Shrewsbury have shown they are capable of spotting diamonds in the rough. Dan Udoh - who made the same switch as Dinanga in 2019 - is a constant reminder of that. 

Right now, Shrewsbury are in a relegation battle. They are six points adrift of 20th-placed Northampton heading into the clash at The Valley this weekend.

And Ainsworth has outlined what kind of role he expects his new additions to have now they have made the switch to Shropshire. 

"There's been a couple coming in for development, definitely," the boss said. "The boys from non-league are going to be developed, and I'm not going to chuck them in this relegation scrap straight away.

"Callum was on the bench the other day. As we only had two recognised strikers here at the moment. 

"So it was a bit of a no-brainer to have some backup on the bench with Callum. 

"I'll make sure that people are ready. And if anyone gets on that pitch, they will be up to the task."

Shrewsbury's squad has shrunk so far during the transfer window. Three players have arrived, but three loanees have departed. 

Tom Bloxham, Joe Young, Jordan Rossiter and club captain Carl Winchester have also left the club this month. 

And Ainsworth has discussed the squad size he likes to work with he said: "My ideal squad is in the early 20s including the keepers. Outfield players is normally 18, 19 or 20. That's what I've usually worked with.

"Me and Dave Wates always have a big debate on availability and size of the squad. I really keep it low. 

"I'd rather have 20 outfield decent players rather than 26, 27 average players where you're spreading the money out.

"I don't need too many players, but I need them fit. You don't get them just because you need a comfort blanket of everyone being available. I'll put faith in my performance teams to keep them all on the pitch. To be fair, I can only put five subs on, so I only need a really good 16."

The other player to come into the squad is Dominic Gape. A much more experienced footballer who featured heavily under Ainsworth when the duo were both at Wycombe. 

The 30-year-old has been playing non-league football at Eastleigh, but after his contract expired last week, he was reunited with the Salop head coach, signing a deal to the end of the season.