Kofi Shaw has insisted that he has only seen his future at Bristol Rovers as the 17-year-old academy graduate signed a new three-year contract while heading out on loan to National League side Yeovil Town until January.
The teenager has made five competitive appearances for the first team so far this term, scoring in the 3-3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
Shaw was also handed his first start in League One in the 3-2 defeat at Peterborough United while also making a substitute appearance against Barnsley.
Speaking to club media, the forward said: “I’m really pleased to have signed my new contract with Bristol Rovers. I have only seen my future at this club, so to have signed an extension shows the faith the club has in me and the belief I have that I can fulfill my potential here.
“I’ve had some really good opportunities so far this season. It’s been great to be in and around the team and showing what I can do while also learning from the coaches and other players. Everyone at the club has been great with me, and the conversations with everyone at the club have been really positive.
“I get to go out on loan now which I know will be a big benefit for my development. I’m looking forward to continuing to show what I can do and using the loan as a catalyst to eventually come back to Bristol Rovers and get in our first team on a more regular basis.”
On the announcement, manager Matt Taylor added: “We are delighted that Kofi has signed a new contract and committed his future to the club. Kofi has a big future ahead of him and for Bristol Rovers supporters to be able to watch his career develop over the next few seasons is very exciting.
“Kofi has made an encouraging start to the season and has caught the eye in a couple of his performances despite his age and experience. We are delighted with the progress Kofi is making and how he has been adapting to senior men’s football.
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“In joining Yeovil Town on loan, Kofi now has the chance to continue that development with regular match-time in the National League. Spending time on loan, with the opportunity to play against experienced players, is a crucial part of his development pathway and we hope Kofi embraces and enjoys that experience.”
Shaw made his senior debut as a substitute on the final day of last season away at Wigan Athletic and subsequently was a frequent fixture in Rovers’ pre-season friendlies during the summer.
The teenager coincidentally scored against Yeovil Town at Huish Park in a 3-0 friendly win for the Gas in July and will now have the opportunity to play more regularly at National League level.
The Glovers are currently eighth in the fifth tier having been promoted back to the level last term after a season in the National League South.
However, getting a player who is currently the club’s brightest prospect to have come out of the academy to sign a three-year deal until 2027 is particularly significant news with some of England’s biggest clubs reported to have shown interest in the forward.