Shrewsbury Town will be without forward Kian McMahon-Brown for a series of important matches following his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad. The 18-year-old loanee from Burnley will join up with the national side next week for their European Championship qualifiers, ruling him out of multiple club games.
His absence will be felt as the team, currently 18th in League Two with six points from six games, handles a busy period. McMahon-Brown scored his first goal for the club in last weekend's 2-0 win over Northampton Town, a result that provided a welcome boost after a run of three defeats in four matches.
International schedule
The forward will be available for this weekend's trip to face eighth-placed Crewe Alexandra but will then depart. The young forward will miss the EFL Trophy clash with Tranmere Rovers next Tuesday, the League Two meeting with Colchester United on September 26, and the trip to Grimsby Town on September 30. His international commitments also mean he will be absent for the EFL Trophy fixture against Stockport County.
The club has publicly backed the player's selection. A club statement congratulated McMahon-Brown on his call-up for the upcoming internationals. It also wished him the best of luck during his time with the national team.
McMahon-Brown joined Shrewsbury on a season-long loan from Burnley just before the summer transfer window closed. He has previous youth international experience, having represented Ireland at the Under-17 World Cup. His call-up comes at a time when Shrewsbury are looking to build on their recent victory and climb the standings. The squad's attacking options will be tested in his absence, with the team having scored just four goals in the league so far this season. He is expected to return to club duty after Ireland's qualifier against England.
This story first appeared at Shropshire Star
