Shrewsbury manager Sam Ricketts has backed Nottingham Forest loanee Jason Cummings to produce the goods at Shrewsbury, despite his tough start to life in English football.

Speaking to the Shropshire Star, Ricketts revealed that he feels Cummings will bring personality to the squad, as well as quality. After struggling at Forest, Peterborough and Luton, the 24-year-old certainly has a point to prove, something his manager feels he can do.

"He’s got quality and can score goals," said the former Wrexham manager. “He’s still young but can bring a little bit of nous to the team but also bring his general personality."

Cummings is certainly a character with personality, having been filmed smashing up his own flat last season in a video that derailed some superb early form at London Road. However, Ricketts is hoping to see the other side of Cummings, the energy and excitement channelled in the right manner.

“I think that will be that of a bubbly character and make sure the training ground and group are lively. But when it’s time to work he and the rest of the squad will work.

“Outside of that, I do want the players to enjoy themselves, enjoy coming in and enjoy having the craic with each other.”

Cummings first rose to prominence with his goalscoring exploits at Hibernian, scoring 71 times in 150 outings for the Easter Road outfit.

That earned him a move to Forest, but he's since struggled to replicate his Edinburgh form, not just at the City Ground but with loan spells at Peterborough and Luton Town last season.

The Verdict

If someone gets Jason Cummings back on form, he'll be a huge hit. During his time with Hibs he was an alert striker, always ready to provide a clinical finish. He bagged 20 in three successive seasons and earned his chance in the English game.

He was a victim of circumstance at Forest, a victim of his own making at Posh and a victim of others success at Luton. He didn't get much football at Kenilworth Road as James Collins kept him on the sidelines.

He's got a great chance to show what he can do at Shrewsbury and if Ricketts gets him firing, he might see them in the top six.