Shrewsbury Town starlet James Rowland signs first professional contract

Midfielder Rowland, who turned 17 in December, has signed for two years until the end of the 2020/21 season.

The former West Bromwich Albion schoolboy is the latest talented youngster to break through from the Salop academy set up.

The diminutive midfielder has excelled whenever involved in the first-team.

Rowland, who has been at Town since aged 14, said: "It's a really good feeling, it's something I've worked to for a while, I'm just happy to get it done.

"I've been at the club for a few years now and it's a really good place to be so I'm happy to be staying for another two.

"The family are really proud, we've all done it together, they've taken me to games everywhere so I'm happy for everyone.

"It's been a really long journey, it started aged 6 at West Brom and then I came to Shrewsbury, it's been a hard two years but I'm happy to be here.

"I've got to keep kicking on and try to get into the first team. I want to go and play next year if I can.

"There are a lot of targets for next season, to get another contract is the big one."

Town boss Sam Ricketts has been impressed with the midfielder's attitude and ability. He said: "James has taken his opportunity in first-team games he's been involved in. Especially starting at Port Vale, you can see the level of performance, he's earned the right to be given a pro contract."

"Now the hard work is just beginning for him.

"He's got a physicality to cover the distance, he'll run 11 or 12km, he has an attitude and desire.

"He's not the biggest but he more than competes and will influence bigger players just through desire and his willingness to work hard and improve. They are the attributes you need to give you an opportunity."

Town's academy boss David Longwell added: "It's great for the academy whenever a player steps up to the first team and being involved. It's great for all the staff associated with it, particularly the coaches."

"It's really good for someone they've had in for a number of years now making that progression and good for all the young players at the club."

Longwell added: "I like him, that goes without saying, I love his attitude, he's very receptive and I think it's half the battle if a young player wants to learn. I can see improvements since I've come in and that'll continue the more he works hard and listens.

"As a footballer he shows so much potential as an all-round midfielder, he can attack, a good range of passing, he ticks a lot of boxes.

"He shows an aggressive side to him, we do a lot of pressing without the ball. He can play effectively with and without the ball."