'I've got to adapt to the step up' - Callum Stewart's first words as a Shrewsbury Town player

Stewart became the first signing of the January transfer window for Salop as boss Gareth Ainsworth added firepower to his squad on Wednesday as the youngster joined from Leamington.

The 23-year-old, who has scored 14 goals in 23 matches this season and is joint top scorer in the National League North, has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal in Shropshire.

He did not feature in his former side's game on Tuesday evening against Chester - which former Town youngster Charlie Caton played and scored in.

Stewart said on his arrival: “I’m absolutely delighted to be here – it's such a big club so I can’t wait to get going.

“I know the head of recruitment (Tom Ware) and the manager (Gareth Ainsworth) has watched me a couple of times and then I got a call about 10 days ago to say Shrewsbury wanted to sign me.

“It has happened very quickly, but it’s all been very smooth.

“I spoke to Gareth this morning and he told me not to be scared and that he has brought me in for a reason.

“I’ve got to adapt to the step up but I'm looking to break into the team, score goals and get points on the board.”

Shrewsbury have the option of extending Stewart's contract by a further year should they choose to.

Town sold Tom Bloxham to Blackpool on Tuesday, and they have also seen Josh Kayode and Charles Sagoe Jr return to their parent clubs.

Jordan Rossiter has also left on loan and joined Oldham for the rest of the season.

Harrison Biggins will be back involved in the Shrewsbury match-day 18 - if selected - after returning from his loan at Carlisle.

Shrewsbury are set to take on their arch-rivals Wrexham in the cross-border derby.