Right-back Ben Herd has admitted re-establishing himself as a first-team regular at Shrewsbury Town would be the perfect present this Christmas.

Herd, a Town stalwart of over 140 appearances in blue and amber, lost his place in the starting line-up after accumulating five yellow cards and consequently missed the trip to Lincoln through suspension.

Darren Moss stepped in and has kept Herd out of the picture in the pre-Christmas fixtures.

“It’s new territory for me in many respects because I’m not used to not playing,” said Herd, who started 42 league games for Town last season.

“I don’t like it at all – I feel I have plenty to contribute – but I respect the manager’s decision as everyone does.

“I’m not the best watcher of a game from the bench. 

“It’s the nature of the beast that someone will be there to take your place when you lose yours.

“Darren Moss has come in and done well so I can’t have any arguments really – I just need to work that like bit harder.”

Herd is hoping to force his way back into contention in manager Paul Simpson’s eyes for the busy festive schedule – starting today away to League Two rivals Rochdale.

But whatever happens, he is taking a philosophical approach to the situation.

The 23-year-old added: “I am gutted to be fair, but I am not going to get down about it – there are other things going on in the world.

“Don’t get me wrong, I love my football, but I am not a worrier.

“That’s football – you’re either chasing a tail or having yours chased.

“It’s no good complaining. All I can do is a few extra sessions and go to the gym. 

“The physio (Nathan Ring) is great to work with – he’s fitter than most of the players anyway.

“But of course match fitness is a completely different thing – competing for 90 minutes is a different story than running on a treadmill.”