Sam Patterson is top class says Shrewsbury Town boss Micky Mellon
Shrewsbury Town trialist Sam Patterson has been told he's as "good as anyone" at the club.
Now boss Micky Mellon has to find a way to manoeuvre his squad to fund a deal for the 21-year-old right-back.
Patterson is a free agent after being released from Barnsley a year ago and has spent the last week at the Greenhous Meadow trying to win a deal.
Mellon, who knew the youngster from his time at Oakwell, has been highly impressed with Patterson, who is paying out of his own pocket to stay in Shropshire.
"He's right in the group and and he's as good as anyone here," said the boss.
"Nothing breaks down going through him and he's done fantastically well – really great.
"I've spoken to Sam and it's a case of 'wait and see' because I've got other priorities to deal with.
"We'll have to shift things – or he'll have to play like Cafu in these games we've got coming up!
"But someone will then say 'we're not missing out on that opportunity'.
"I absolutely believe he'll play first-team football in the Football League."
Mellon is trying to encourage fringe players to move on as he looks to find room in the budget to re-sign out-of-contract Jermaine Grandison and Jean-Lpuis Akpa-Akpro.
And Mellon believes Patterson's determination is an inspiration to others trying to make it in the game.
"He's one of those lads that really inspires you and makes you glad there are those sorts of people around," said the boss.
"He just brings a big smile to my face because he came from nowhere and he's paying for his own digs."
