Get to know Salop Academy forwards Charlie Caton and Liam Thomas.
Charlie Caton and Liam Thomas answer a series of quick-fire questions as we get to know Town’s young footballers.
Charlie Caton left-footed second-year centre-forward who joined Town from Wrexham. Caton is a natural finisher and was the under-18's top goal scorer last year as a first-year scholar. Caton has since been involved with the first-team squad on a regular basis and has also made several appearances for the Wales National youth teams.
Liam Thomas is a quick and direct second-year scholar who can play across any of the forward positions - but prefers playing on the wing. Thomas won the LFA Goal of the Month for November for his effort against Rochdale. Thomas joined as a scholar from Derby County.
Caton: My name is Charlie Caton, I’m 17 and I'm a striker.
Thomas: I’m Liam Thomas, I’m 18-years-old and I’m a winger.
Former clubs?
Caton: I joined Shrewsbury from Wrexham when I was 15. I previously played for teams in my local area and I joined Wrexham when I was eight.
Thomas: I played for Derby County for three years. Before that, I played for Sunday League teams back home in South London.
How would you describe yourself as a player and who are your idols?
Caton: I like to make runs in behind and score goals. I like to hold the ball up for my team. I’d probably say my idols are Premier League strikers like Didier Drogba and Robin Van Persie.
Thomas: I would say Adama Traore and Raheem Sterling. I like to use my pace to get at players. I’m quite a direct winger.
Other sports you are interested in?
Caton: I like to watch a bit of every sport, to be honest. I like a bit of cricket and tennis – that’s about it. I play a bit of tennis in the summer
Thomas: For me, it’s always been about football - football is my passion.
Do you have a pre-match routine?
Caton: I don’t really have any superstitions. I try to eat something healthy three hours before the game – maybe a banana before the match
Thomas: My routine is listening to some motivational music or videos - I like a bit of hip-hop. I like to watch my previous clips so I can try to do it again in the game.
Before a match, I like to eat a bit of chicken pasta with some sweet corn – a bit basic.
What boots are you currently wearing?
Caton: I’m wearing green Adidas Nemeziz boots and grey ones with studs.
Thomas: I’m wearing Puma boots at the moment. They’re a bit bright though.
All-time favourite boots?
Caton: Adidas Predators I would say – ones from a couple of years ago.
Thomas: I would say Adidas Predators – the ones Van Persie used to wear.
Any unique kit choices?
Caton: I used to tuck my shirt in but I got rid of that. Now I wouldn’t say I do anything different.
Thomas: I always wear gloves when I play.
