TOM Eaves could be the wildcard Dougie Freedman chooses to play in the season finale.

Even though the 21-year-old is currently on loan at League One Shrewsbury Town, he is being earmarked for a quick recall should Wanderers need something extra.

Eaves has impressed at the Greenhous Meadow, scoring three goals in his first six games, and can be brought back with 24 hours notice.

He would have returned immediately had Kevin Davies taken up one of a handful of loan moves he was offered before Thursday’s deadline.

With the skipper still in tow, Freedman is content to allow the ex-Oldham striker sit tight for now, but the Whites boss is keen to give him a chance before the summer.

“He is still at Shrewsbury but I have spoken to him,” the manager said. “I am passionate about bringing younger players on and he is a good one. I have given Tom my word that when I bring him back it will be to get some match time.

“It’s possibly a game or so too soon to do that right now, but that is what I am looking for Tom to do.”

Burly front man Eaves scored seven goals in a loan spell with Bristol Rovers earlier this season and has already attracted high praise from his strike mentor, Davies.

The youngster is contracted with Wanderers until 2016 and is currently on loan with the Shrews. until April 27.