New signing Sam Smith backed to hit the right note at Shrewsbury Town after joining from Reading

The 20-year-old becomes Sam Ricketts' third signing as Shrewsbury manager after Dave Edwards and Brad Walker.

Smith, who spent the first half of the season with Town's League One rivals Oxford, will spend the rest of the campaign with Salop.

He made 14 appearances in the league – starting five games – but failed to score the U's. He netted three goals in the Checkatrade Trophy but was sent back by Oxford at the turn of the year midway through his season-long loan.

Ricketts praised his new signing's character and believes his 'relentless' nature will be a strength for Town.

“Sam is a young player who works incredibly hard and obviously has ability on top of that as well. He has a great attitude, will have a good character around the training ground and he works hard," said the Town chief.

“He spent the first-half of the season on-loan with Oxford but it didn’t work out for whatever reason.

“I am looking for him to come here and show everyone his quality and part of that is how hard he works.

“He’s a relentless forward and that’s an important trait if you want to be good. I have seen him chase down lost causes, he’s left footed and can score goals."

The left-footed frontman, from Manchester, spent part of his youth career at Manchester United. He joined Reading in 2016 and previously had a loan at Bishop's Stortford.

Smith will wear No.17 while a Town player.

“It’s an opportunity for him to come here and showcase his talents and that works well both ways," the boss added.

“It’s been good for him to be out on-loan already – experiencing league football and he’s also played a few games for Reading, so he has obviously got pedigree.

“It’s an opportunity for him to come here and learn and showcase his ability.”