Shrewsbury sign non-league striker Stewart

Callum Stewart was not in the Leamington team beaten at home by Chester on Tuesday evening

Shrewsbury Town have signed forward Callum Stewart from non-league Leamington for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old is the joint top scorer in National League North, with 14 goals from 23 games, but will now have to step up three levels in the English pyramid.

He is boss Gareth Ainsworth's first signing of the January transfer window, although Harrison Biggins has returned to the club from a loan spell at Carlisle United.

Stewart has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract and the club also has an an option for a further 12 months.

"I know the head of recruitment and the manager have watched me a couple of times and then I got a call about 10 days ago to say Shrewsbury wanted to sign me," said Stewart, who scored a hat-trick against Curzon Ashton on 21 December..

"It happened very quick, but it's all been very smooth. I spoke to Gareth and he told me not to be scared and that he has brought me in for a reason."

Shrewsbury are 22nd in League One, before Thursday's home game against Wrexham, eight points from safety.