Tom Coughlin hints at significant role for Shane Vereen

New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin has revealed that he expects Shane Vereen to have a larger role with his team this season.

Vereen caused a stir after signing with the organisation, describing his move from the New England Patriots as "a step up".

While he did praise former coach Bill Belichick and the Pats, he was adamant that the move would allow him to develop his game further.

"I see him in that regard as a pass receiver coming out of the backfield, a pass protector, a guy who runs the ball in the three-wide offense in the run game, if you will, which is very prevalent today in our sport," Coughlin said, NJ.com reports.

Not a single Giants running back had a reception of more than 27 yards last season, while Vereen has 99 catches over the past two seasons.