Shrewsbury Town

Mike Jackson says there will be a plan put in place to get highly-rated goalkeeper Callum Burton first-team football after he signed a new two-year contract.

The 19-year-old, who has represented England at different age levels, signed his new contract at his boyhood club after making his debut on the last day of the season.

And Jackson says the most important thing is for him to now play games.

“He has been with Danny (Coyne, goalkeeper coach) who has been great with the goalkeepers with the way he has looked after them and the way they have progressed,” Jackson told ShrewsWeb.

“We all know Callum needs to be playing games now. He has been thinking about that and there has been some stuff put in the press which has not been the right thing to do.

“He is still a young kid so we will be putting a plan for him to move forward to try and get him some game time whether it be going out on loan or whether it is challenging.

“What you want is him coming back and challenging the other two keepers so we will have a plan for him moving forward – we don’t want to be messing around with people’s careers as he is a really good talented young goalkeeper.”

Burton was one of three goalkeepers used last season – with Jayson Leutwiler having also signed a new two-year deal and Mark Halstead considering an offer.

Shaun Rowley is also under contract.

Jackson says having your own quality goalkeepers in the squad is important, especially when injuries and suspensions play their part.

“It was a good job we had the back-up and the keepers in the building last season and with this new loan system coming in it is still a little bit up in the air so if you have got your own in the building that you know about and you have worked with it can only be good moving forward,” he said.

“You need quality in the building and keeping good people is part of that. 

“Mark will be looking to see what he needs to do for his career moving forwards. Does he need to go and be an out and out number one or is he willing to challenge and fight to be a number one?

“That is all something the lad has to think about. They are not easy decisions. People shouldn’t think that. If it takes a little bit of time then so be it.”

Jackson was also pleased to see another homegrown player sign up.

“You always want a batch of players that have come through your system,” he said.

“Obviously we had a couple last year which were sold on and sometimes it takes a while for the next batch to come through but we have got some good young pros coming through and this year’s intake of apprentices is very good.

“But it takes time with these young pros and the biggest thing is them needing game time. 

“Fans like having their own players on the pitch. They want nothing more than someone who is local who has come through and it should always be part of any club no matter what level you are playing at.”