Shrewsbury's Ed Barnard signs for Worcestershire

The 17-year-old, a student at Shrewsbury School, has impressed in the New Road club's academy and been rewarded with a summer contract for the next two seasons.

It's more exciting recognition for the all-rounder, a regular in Shrewsbury's Birmingham League side, who admits he would love to carve out a career in the first class game.

Barnard becomes the eighth Shrewsbury School pupil to sign for a first class county in the last six years, the most successful being James Taylor, now of Nottinghamshire and England.

He said: "That's where my sights are set."

The Worcestershire contract, which comes hot on the heels of his selection for the England under-19s to tour South Africa, caps a whirlwind 18 months for the youngster.

He was playing second-team cricket for Shrewsbury as recently as the 2011 season and said: "It's all been a bit of a blur, but I have just taken it in my stride.

"I'm really pleased to have signed a summer contract with Worcestershire. It will help that I already know the likes of Steve Leach from playing with him at Shrewsbury."

Worcestershire's director of cricket Steve Rhodes, a former England player, has been impressed with Barnard's emergence.

Rhodes said: "Ed is a talented allrounder with an old head on young shoulders."

Barnard, a former pupil at Shrewsbury's Meole Brace School, is currently focusing on attempting to shine for England having been thrilled to earn a place in the party now in South Africa.

He said: "I went to a couple of training camps before Christmas and I was really pleased to be named in the squad.

"England are building towards the under-19 World Cup in February next year so are looking to give some younger players a chance.

"I'm looking forward to getting some experience and anything else like performances will be a bonus."

Meanwhile, Taylor will captain England Lions on their tour to Australia in February and March.