Tyrese Campbell earned his chance, says Shrewsbury boss Sam Ricketts
Hot-shot Tyrese Campbell earned his goalscoring return to the Shrewsbury fold with his attitude in training, boss Sam Ricketts has revealed.
The Stoke City loanee had been on the bench for the previous three matches with top scorer Fejiri Okenabirhie impressing in the lone role up front as Town’s form turned a corner.
But January recruit Campbell, 19, got his head down and caught Ricketts’ eye in training at Sundorne and was recalled for the trip to Gillingham on Saturday.
Campbell, son of former Arsenal, Everton and West Brom star Kevin, repaid the decision to start him in Kent with Town’s second goal to wrap up three points.
“Fey (Okenabirhie) has had a fantastic season, he’s still had plenty more to give and more goals to score,” said Ricketts.
“He’s similar to the team, at the very infant stage of his career, he can go on and improve again, have a very, very good career if he continues to work hard with his attitude.
“He understands that. Ty has had to wait his turn, he understands that, the team has been playing well.
“He’s had some of the best week’s training since he’s been here in that time. His attitude is why I put him back in.”
Shrewsbury claimed back-to-back clean sheets away from home in the league with the 2-0 success at Priestfield, following the success by the same scoreline at Southend a fortnight previous.
Going into February, Town had managed just one away league win all season. But Ricketts has improved the tally and did not see the poor away form as a specific issue.
“It’s three wins away from home certainly since I’ve come in, and that’s just in the league, we won at Stoke in the (FA) Cup as well,” added the boss. “I’m not a big believer in home and away. I’m a big believer in controlling the game and understanding why you’re winning or losing.
“I think that’s what’s improved more than anything
.”