I'm a new player, Saddlers' Tom Bradshaw warns Shrewsbury

Walsall top scorer Tom Bradshaw is gunning for Shrewsbury Town - warning his former club they won't recognise him. more

The 22-year-old claims to have become "bigger, faster and stronger" since his summer move to the Saddlers, who host Town in the FA Cup first round this Saturday.

Bradshaw has proved a smash hit at the Banks's Stadium and currently leads the club's scoring charts with seven goals.

And he is keen to increase his tally further against Micky Mellon's Shrews.

"The player that left Shrewsbury is not the same player who is playing now," he said.

"Physically I am bigger, stronger and quicker.

"I still know some of the lads at Shrewsbury and I'm sure they will think they know my game. But I have changed considerably.

"It might be an unpleasant surprise for them."

Bradshaw, who was born in Shrewsbury, spent five years at Greenhous Meadow scoring 17 goals in 89 appearances prior to his summer switch.

"It will be quite strange to line-up against them," he said. "I was there for a long time and I still know a lot of people there.

"I was watching the draw live when it was being made and though I was hoping for Shrewsbury, you never really expect it do you?

"I was over the moon when we were drawn against them.

"It's not a case of getting one over on an enemy or anything like that but we want to get through to the next round and I want to hopefully score a couple of goals."

Bradshaw turned down the chance to be part of Town's League Two promotion campaign despite the best efforts of Mellon to keep him.

"I felt it was the right time for myself to move on," he said. "I just needed a whole new environment – I needed somewhere for my football to thrive.

"It's helped me out massively and has completely reenergised my career."

Bradshaw believes Shrewsbury are set for their own resurgence under Mellon and added: "From what I have heard, speaking to people at the club, he has come in and done a great job.

"They pass the ball well and have got goals in them. But I think we'll back ourselves to play the way we can and win."