SHREWS LATEST TO EYE HITCHIN STARLET

HITCHIN TOWN are expecting news on the future of their promising young defender Kane Smith in the next 48 hours.

The Luton Town academy graduate, who has been on trial with Shrewsbury for around two weeks, has been monitored by a host of Football League clubs over the past year.

Crystal Palace and West Brom were interested in the 20-year-old last season.

Smith spent time with both clubs – a week at the Baggies and two development games at Palace – but no longer-term deal was agreed with either side.

After an impressive season with the Canaries, in which he was crowned their player of the year, Smith’s future at Hitchin is now in the balance.With the trial at Shrewsbury nearing its end, Coventry City have been in contact with Hitchin this summer, continuing the high-profile interest in the attacking full-back.

Shrewsbury have recently seen three defenders leave the club, with Jack Grimmer heading back to Fulham after a loan spell, Matt Tootle moving on to Notts County and Jermaine Grandison being released.

Despite adding attacking full-back Joe Riley to their ranks, they may still look to strengthen defensively.

Smith played in two friendlies for Shrewsbury, albeit as a substitute.

He returned to Hitchin on Tuesday for a pre-season friendly against Kempston Rovers.

Canaries boss Mark Burke said: “He can definitely make the transition if he is given the opportunity.”

Smith and Hitchin now wait for word on the Shrews’ intentions.