AFC Telford United extend loan of Shrewsbury Town prospect Ryan Barnett

Barnett, 19, won praise for his attitude after an initial month loan at the New Bucks Head, in which he had to bide his time for a first start.

The Town youngster, from Wellington, was finally handed his full Bucks debut by boss Gavin Cowan during Saturday’s 3-1 National League North defeat at Altrincham.

Former Town defender Cowan concluded talks with his Montgomery Waters Meadow counterpart Sam Ricketts about the extension as his initial deal came to an end this week.

Montgomery Waters Meadow boss Ricketts has been impressed with the young midfielder since joining Town last week. He said: "Barney's a really exciting young player.

"Where we're at with him, and a lot of the young players, is we want him out playing first-team football and it's an opportunity for him to do so at Telford.

"He started on Saturday and hopefully he'll get a good number of games to aid his development. He's a really exciting young prospect.

"He has a good future ahead of him if he continues to work hard and to improve."

Barnett made four appearances for the Bucks in his initial month loan, three from the bench before his first start at Altrincham.

He penned his first professional deal under Paul Hurst in late 2016, for two-and-a-half years.

The young attacker made his senior Salop bow last October against West Bromwich Albion under-21s in the Checkatrade Trophy.

He was handed his Football League debut by John Askey against Barnsley in the final moments of the victory over Barnsley.

Bucks boss Cowan said: “I get on well with Sam so I asked what period they want.

“He did well in patches (on Saturday). There were certain flashes of excellence because he’s an extremely gifted player.

“His attitude has been impeccable. He’s always very keen to do well.

“He has showed a real maturity when things don’t always go his way.

“We have a footballing philosophy that no new player comes straight into the team. He’s showed a maturity and a desire and it’s worked out better for him in the end.”

Town academy graduates Ryan Sears, John McAtee and Barnett have all spent time with the Bucks this term.