Harry Chapman 'frustrated with himself' in coming off in Shrewsbury's defeat to Fleetwood
David Longwell revealed Harry Chapman was 'frustrated with his own performance' after Shrewsbury's star attacker was withdrawn in the defeat against Fleetwood.
Chapman was one of a trio of Town players, alongside Curtis Main and David Davis, substituted off with 15 minutes remaining with the hosts 2-0 down to Fleetwood.
The visitors had just netted a second through ex-Town man Kyle Vassell and Chapman was spotted reacting frustratedly to coming off, where onlookers suggested the star did not embrace stand-in boss Aaron Wilbraham's out-stretched hand and was followed down the tunnel by Wilbraham and skipper Ollie Norburn, who missed the game through injury.
The on-loan Blackburn attacker has been a revelation for Shrewsbury since checking in to Montgomery Waters Meadow in January, netting five brilliant goals in earning Town a hatful of points in the race to League One safety.
First-team coach Longwell, standing in alongside Wilbraham in the absence of Steve Cotterill, said: "It is what it is, it's one of these things.
"He's just frustrated because he's obviously not had a good performance, he's upset because he's not had a good performance, that's it.
"He's more upset with himself than anything else."
Chapman returned to the Shrews starting line-up having been left out of the XI for the midweek draw with AFC Wimbledon, from which he emerged after half hour to net a beauty.
It is understood that the 23-year-old has been watched by Ewood Park scouts at the Meadow during his loan spell.
However, the former Middlesbrough youngster and Under-20 World Cup winner with England, revealed to the Shropshire Star last week that he is yet to hear from his Championship parent club despite his scintillating form over a couple of months in Shropshire.
Asked if they have been keeping contact, Chapman said: "Not really, I haven't really spoken with people at Blackburn.
"I had a missed call from the assistant manager and I tried to call him back and no answer, it is what it is.
"But obviously they've got their own schedule and are busy as well so it's understandable, they are playing the same Saturday-Tuesday or Saturday-Wednesday we are, it's a really tough time.
"I'm sure they have people keeping an eye on me and feeding back."
Chapman, who is out of contract at Blackburn in the summer, is living in the region away from family and friends and while Covid restrictions have denied him the opportunity of enjoying Shropshire, he is loving his time at the club.
Supporters are yet to have seen the talented attacker – Cotterill's first January signing – in the flesh and some have suggested their disappointment at the prospect of not watching one of the club's more natural talents in recent years up close in person.
"It's really nice to get that connection with them early on," Chapman said. "To get the fans on your side is a big part of football and they give you more confidence to do well.
"I've been at clubs where supporters have been on your back and it's been extremely difficult, it kills your confidence and mentally destroys you. Here it's been a breath of fresh air and I'm really enjoying myself."
