AFTER staying sharp at Cwmbran Stadium over the summer, defender Luca Hoole is aiming to hit the ground running at Shrewsbury in his ultimate aim to play for Wales.

The 22-year-old from Gwent did fitness sessions on home soil in close season before signing a deal with the Shrews from League One rivals Bristol Rovers.

The Wales Under-21s international came through the ranks with the Gas and helped them to promotion from League Two in 2022.

He racked up 102 appearances for Rovers and was offered a fresh contract but, with the prospect of being right-back cover at Memorial Stadium, instead headed to Shropshire.

"I felt it was a good time to start something new," said Hoole, who went to Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw in Pontypool.

"Nothing but respect for the club and everything they've done for me but, like I said, it's a new challenge. I've only heard good things about Shrewsbury from the people I've spoke to and from the gaffer."

MOVE: Luca Hoole has signed for Shrewsbury from Bristol RoversMOVE: Luca Hoole has signed for Shrewsbury from Bristol Rovers

Hoole, who can also play in the middle, featured in defence with Newport County centre’ back Matt Baker in Wales Under-21s win against Lithuania at Rodney Parade at the end of last season.

Baker then received his first senior call-up for the friendlies against Gibraltar and Slovakia, although he didn’t win his first cap.

Hoole hopes that impressing for Shrewsbury can help catch the eye of new Wales boss Craig Bellamy.

“The ultimate aim is to [get a cap] because there is nothing to make you more proud than representing your country,” he said.

"I want to play as many games as possible, I want to be out there and helping the team as much as I can."