Shrewsbury Town is delighted to announce that 18-year-old goalkeeper, Xander Parke, has signed his first professional deal with the club.
The highly-rated goalkeeper was a great coup for Shrewsbury's academy and he's due to appear at the CONCACAF Under-20s Championship in Honduras for St Kitts and Nevis later this month.
St Kitts and Nevis Under-20s face off against the United States Under-20s on Saturday 18th June, Cuba Under-20s on Monday 20th June, and Canada Under-20s on Wednesday 22nd June.
Even in his short time in Shropshire, the 6'2 shot-stopper has been regularly training with Steve Cotterill's first team and he became the Under-18s first-choice 'keeper in that time too.
Academy Director David Longwell said:
"He's somebody we identified a while back. He came in and played for us this past year and now he's signed a professional contract we're delighted to have him. He's got so much potential as a young goalkeeper so he's a great signing for us to make.
"For someone with age on their side to be playing international football already, it's only another positive sign. We brought him into the Under-18s and he's done extremely well so obviously to get in and get a professional contract is a credit to him. To be playing international football is another example and it's a bit of a coup for us.
"Any experience playing international football or playing people older than you can set you in a good line for playing with the first team. He's very professional and he's got a great attitude but now it's down to him to come in and keep working and make the most of this opportunity."
