By Deadly Submarine
April 6 2005

“Phenomenal” and “Our Rock” are just two phrases Shrewsbury Town manager Gary Peters has used to describe the recent performances of Tranmere youngster Neil Ashton who is on loan at Gay Meadow until the end of the season. Brian Little has the answer to his left side problem right under his nose.

Ashton, 20, has been on loan with the Shrews since December and since then has made 19 appearances for them.  Despite being predominantly a left back for Tranmere’s reserve side, he has found himself operating in both the left and centre of midfield for the Shrews during his loan spell.

 

Following his teams recent 3-0 win over Oxford United, Peters said “Neil Ashton was phenomenal in the centre of midfield, he was our rock today and did everything we could have wanted.” Peters went on to add “If he doesn’t get Man of the Match then people were watching a different match.”

 

Such high praise is unlikely to go unnoticed by Rovers manager Brian Little who with David Beresford out of contract at the end of the season will be short on options on the left side next season.  Many Rovers fans have already argued that Ian Goodison should not be playing at left-back and that a more natural player is needed for that side. 

 

The only other left-sided player currently in the first team other than Beresford is Welsh international and almost ever-present Gareth Roberts.  Under Brian Little though, Roberts has been playing more of a midfield role rather than his more preferred left back position.   It is quite possible that Ashton could be the solution to that problem for next season by trying him on the left along with Roberts.

 

After such high praise from the Shrewsbury manager recently, he should surely be considered.