Cameron Gayle 'can't wait' to face West Brom

Gayle rose through the ranks at the Hawthorns but made just one first-team appearance in two years before being released at the end of last season.

But, having been snapped up by Town boss Micky Mellon last week, following an impressive spell on trial, he finds himself coming up against the Baggies in just his second run-out for his new employers.

And Gayle said: "I can't wait. It is a bit of a coincidence in just my second game for Shrewsbury playing against them but I am sure it will be a good game and it will be good to see all the lads again.

"I have lots of friends at the club, all the players, all the staff. They are great people there and I am thankful for what they had done for me and I can't wait to play against them."

There is no bitterness evident from Gayle about his departure from the Black Country-based Premier League outfit.

But having seen his first team opportunities severely limited at the Hawthorns, Gayle is understandably keen to show what he can do.

He said: "It was a frustrating time. I have been on the fringes for the last couple of years now.

"I was training with the squad every day but I just didn't get a chance to really show what I can do.

"So I have come here now to play football and hopefully progress and get Shrewsbury back in to League One. I just want to play football."

Town winger Ashley Vincent is also relishing the chance to pit his skills against Albion, who he supported as a youngster.

He said: "I was a West Brom fan growing up so I'd love to see them bring a good side.

"It is an opportunity for us and especially for some of the young boys coming through, if they have aspirations of playing at a better level, to test themselves against some really good players.

"West Brom will probably be a week behind us as far as fitness goes because they start their season a bit later. But that has got nothing to do with the quality they might bring."