Kevin Phillips: Lowe can realise potential with Shrewsbury Town
Left-back Max Lowe needs to play regularly to realise his potential at Shrewsbury, according to Derby No.2 Kevin Phillips.
The Rams youngster joined Paul Hurst’s Town on loan for the remainder of the season last week.
He arrives from Pride Park with a lofty reputation. Phillips, assistant to Gary Rowett at the high-flying Championship outfit, believes Shrewsbury have taken an extremely good defender with good qualities and lots of potential.
And former West Brom and Villa forward Phillips hopes the 20-year-old’s potential can be unlocked at Montgomery Waters Meadow.
“When Max Lowe is firing on all cylinders, and playing week-in, week-out, he is an extremely good defender,” said Phillips.
“He is very good in one-vs-one situations. He doesn’t get beat very often. And going forward his distribution and his energy are very, very good.
“He is a player that we felt, as a club, needed to go out on loan and get more first-team experience.
“He has got big potential. But he needs to go out and play regular football and hopefully he will get that at Shrewsbury.”
Hurst was keen to acquire a left-back in the January window as cover for Junior Brown, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in October.
Lowe made his debut from the bench against West Ham on the left side of midfield, but Derby see him as a left-back. Omar Beckles has impressed slotting into the position for Town in recent weeks.
Phillips added: “We want him to play because we see him as an asset for the football club.
“Shrewsbury are gaining a very young, gifted and talented left-back. He has got lots of qualities. But he needs to be playing regularly to shine and for his development. “
