Skipper Ben Davies is set to be stuck on the sidelines for Shrewsbury Town’s derby showdown with Hereford United on Saturday.Davies has been making progress since picking up a hamstring injury in the 3-3 draw at home to Milton Keynes last week.

But he admits the clash with Graham Turner’s Bulls has come too soon for him – with the trip to Barnet on March 1 a more realistic target.

It is the first setback Davies has had since making his return in November from a long-term injury, also sustained against MK Dons in last season’s play-off semi-finals.

“I have got a tear in the left hamstring but it’s not too bad now,” said Davies, who limped off when Town were losing 2-0 to the Dons and so played no part in a stirring fightback. “It’s just sore at the moment but it’s a lot better than it was.

“The Achilles had been getting a bit stiff over the last few weeks but I just felt the left hamstring go at the start of the MK Dons game and I just couldn’t carry on.

“I had been out for such a long time and the first few weeks I came back, I felt fine.

“But there was always a chance of having a secondary injury and I think that’s what happened.

“At the time it happened I was told I would be out for two to three weeks and I feel I have been making good progress.

“I don’t want to come back too soon with a hamstring problem so I think Hereford might be a bit soon. I think I’m looking at being back in contention for the Barnet game.”

Town’s managing director Rob Bickerton believes Saturday’s meeting with Hereford has the potential to be the most exciting game yet seen at Oteley Road.

Bickerton has spent a lot of time gauging the views of fans since taking up his new job, including watching the second half of every match with supporters.

And he declared: “Having spoken to people at the club I can feel how exciting the local derby with Hereford is, and with them looking like bringing more than 1,500 based on ticket sales, I know the Shrewsbury fans will be attracted to this game.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the stadium full with a lot of noise being made.

“I’m also expecting a good performance from what I believe is an exciting Shrewsbury Town team.”