He had been playing for Hartlepool United and was known to manager Mike Newell from his time as boss at the Victoria Ground.

After being released by Hartlepool, he impressed Newell during a trial spell at Kenilworth Road at the tail end of the 2005-06 campaign and then during the 2006-07 pre-season.

His most impressive performance was arguably in a 7-1 Reserve team win over Milton Keynes Dons in August 2006 when he came on as a 70th minute substitute and set up the Hatters' 7th goal and had a 25-yard shot well saved by the MK Dons goalkeeper.

It prompted manager Mike Newell to state it was "The best performance I have ever seen from an 18-year-old".

Shaun's dad then put slightly more pressue on his shoulders by claiming that his son is "The new David Beckham".

Shaun was handed the number 24 squad number in November 2006 during an injury crisis for the Hatters.

However, things didn't quite work out for Shaun and, despite being a regular for the Hatters' reserve side during the 2006-07 campaign, he failed to make a single senior appearance.