John Askey discusses opportunities to get game time for some of his bright young stars
Shrewsbury Town boss John Askey has admitted that he would like to get more of his squad out on-loan, playing games, rather than sitting on the bench or in the stands.
The likes or Arthur Gnahoua and Abo Eisa are yet to feature in the matchday 18 this season with Shaun Whalley, Alex Gilliead and Fejiri Okenabirhie being favoured in the wide areas.
“He’s come out of non-league, didn’t have that many games last year, but I still think he could make a difference”, John said of Eisa.
“I just think he needs to learn the game and if we can get him out to a league club that will hopefully pay dividends for us.
“Obviously, we want him in the team doing well for us, but I think if he went out and proved it at a league club then that would improve him more than just coming on here or there every few games.”
Meanwhile, a new ruling by the EFL means that one homegrown player must be included in the matchday squad for Sky Bet League One games.
First-year professional Ryan Barnett has taken this spot on the bench so far this season and John praised the former Thomas Telford pupil for impressing.
“Barney’s not there just because he’s a local lad, he’s done really well and he’s a good player”, said Askey.
“It’s about getting the balance right of getting him out on-loan, so that he keeps improving, and having him around the squad here.
“It might be a case of just having six on the bench just so that he can get out and play, but he is somebody who is exciting to watch, he’s got a lot of energy, he can play wide, he can play in midfield, and he’s got a lot of potential.”