Shot-stopper Glyn Garner is desperate to be part of Shrewsbury Town’s long-term future – despite falling down the goalkeeping pecking order.Both Garner and Scott Bevan have been leapfrogged by on-loan Luke Daniels in the race for the No 1 jersey at the start of the season.

That is an unusual feeling for the Welsh international who has grown used to being first choice over the last eight years at Bury and Leyton Orient.

But Garner remains as eager as ever to play his part in what he sees as a bright future for the club.

“It’s always disappointing not to be playing when you’re a professional footballer but you just have to bide your time and wait for a chance,” said the 31-year-old.

“We will see how things go but football is a strange old game and things can change quickly.

“I have been used to playing first-team football but Luke has done well and we have defended very well as a team.

“I’m happy at the club. It’s a club going forward and I want to be a part of a successful club.”

Despite having to watch from the sidelines, Garner has been thrilled with Shrewsbury’s opening to the campaign – and is the latest player to highlight a major improvement from last season.

“We haven’t spoken about the start at length as players – the main target is just to get the points on the board,” he added.

“But it’s going well and the big thing for me is how much fitter we look.

“It’s not like last season when we started a lot of games well but were really hanging on at the end.

“We are planning games better and managing what we are doing in games better.

“The gaffer has brought in some experienced players and I think that has made a really big difference as well.”

By James Garrison