Manager Paul Simpson has backed captain Ben Davies to bounce back from being dropped from Shrewsbury Town’s starting line-up.

Davies had to settle for a role as unused substitute in Saturday’s goalless draw at Bradford, despite Simpson opting for an extra man in midfield.

But Simpson insisted the midfielder still has a major part to play in Shrewsbury’s promotion push.

“It was a decision that I felt was the right thing to do,” said Simpson. “Ben Davies has been excellent for us and I’m quite sure he will be excellent again for us.

“But for this particular game, I felt as though the side was going to be stronger without him in it.

“I spoke to Ben on Friday and told him I was leaving him out and he accepted it.

“He was outstanding for us before he had the (hernia) operation and he’s still searching to get back to that form.

“But Ben is an important part of our squad and I have no doubts that he will come back stronger.”

Meanwhile, Town are preparing for life without leading scorer Grant Holt for the next fortnight.

The 20-goal hitman collected his 10th booking of the season in the closing minute of Saturday’s encounter, and will now be suspended for the home clash with Chester on Saturday and the short trip to Port Vale seven days later.

And Simpson is looking for goals to come from all areas of the pitch in Holt’s absence. “I think we all know Grant was never going to go through to the cut-off point without picking up another booking,” said Simpson.

“The next two games we will miss him but it opens the door for somebody else.

“We have been saying that we have got to be chipping in with goals from other areas so these next two games, we will see whether we can do it.”

Former Manchester United and Liverpool youngster Ramon Calliste has joined Shrewsbury for a trial. The forward has spent this season with Cambridge City.

By JAMES GARRISON