Simpson relishes Albion test

Boss Paul Simpson expects his new-look Shrewsbury Town side to rise to the challenge set by Premiership side West Bromwich Albion tonight (7.45).

The Baggies provide the opposition for Town’s first home game since announcing a four-year sponsorship deal that has seen their ground named the Prostar Stadium.

Shrewsbury are expected to include all the squad members who missed Saturday’s 3-0 win at Stafford, meaning a first outing for club captain Ben Davies and full-back Ben Herd, plus new signings Paul Murray and Michael Jackson.

But keeper Scott Bevan (knee) and wide men Marc Pugh (thigh strain) and Chris Humphrey (knee) will be missing.

“It’s a really good game for us,” said Simpson. “It will be a good test for the players and hopefully they’ll respond to it and get something out of the game.

“It’s disappointing that we’ve got a few knocks but I’m sure the supporters are looking forward to seeing the new players.

“They look good signings on paper and we just need to get them to perform on the pitch now - but they definitely add quality to the squad.”

It will be West Brom’s first outing since returning from a tour of Germany, where they lost games to Borussia Monchengladbach and Cologne.

Boss Tony Mowbray will not include new £3.25m keeper Scott Carson, saving him for tomorrow’s trip to Cheltenham instead.

But senior pros will include Dean Kiely, Roman Bednar, Luke Moore, Neil Clement and Paul Robinson.

Meanwhile, Simpson has dismissed speculation in a national newspaper claiming Championship sides Wolves and Coventry were both lining up bids for centre-back Kelvin Langmead.

“I was told there was something in a newspaper, but there’s nothing in it at all - I’ve had no inquiries,” he declared.

“I’m guessing there’s talk he may go because I’ve brought a couple of centre-halves (Michael Jackson and Shaun Sherriff) in.

“But he’s someone I’d like to keep here - he’s a great footballer and he’s in my plans.

“People tend to forget that he only got moved back there 18 months ago and so he’s still new to the position and he’s still learning it.”

By Chris Hudson