Shrewsbury Town looking to evolve top scorer Fejiri Okenabirhie

The 22-year-old frontman has been a huge success for Salop this season with 11 goals in just 19 starts, the latest in the midweek win at Stoke.

Town chief Ricketts hailed the hot-shot’s calmness in front of goal after he scored from the spot to haul Shrews level in the dramatic comeback success.

Ten of Okenabirhie’s goals have come from inside the box and the former Dagenham man won praise from his manager for the way he has adapted after climbing the leagues last summer.

“He was desperate to take penalties, he wanted one the other week,” said Ricketts.

“I made the call that Fey would be on penalties and he took it very calmly. He’s stepped up two leagues and made a real impression.

“It’s a big ask, sometimes, to step up. There’s a step up in quality and physicality.”

Okenabirhie struggled for minutes under John Askey and did not make a league start until mid-October.

The boss added: “He’s bridged the gap really well. Yes, there’s still many areas he can improve on. But he’s proving he can score goals at this level and scoring goals is the hardest thing to do in football.

“He’s got an eye for goal and a calmness in front of goal. Now we just have to improve other areas of his game to make sure we make him an all-round player rather than just a goalscorer.”

Striker Okenabirhie, born in north London and of Nigerian descent, signed a two-year deal as former boss Askey’s first signing last summer.

He won England C Player of the Year in March 2018, shortly before switching to Salop.