Paul Simpson has paid tribute to the professionalism of Darren Moss after the full-back re-established himself as a first-team regular at Shrewsbury Town.

Moss was forced to bide his time in the first half of the season, with Simpson option for Ben Herd at right-back.

Moss even came close to joining League Two rivals Bournemouth on loan, but got his chance at Shrewsbury when Herd served a one-match suspension after accumulating five bookings.

That came in the goalless draw at Lincoln on November 22 on a day when Town were reduced to 10 men inside three minutes.

And the former Welsh under-21 international has since produced a string of consistent performances – including nullifying the threat of Bradford’s dangerous wingers Omar Daley and Steve Jones in Saturday’s stalemate at Valley Bradford.

“Over the season, it’s probably really harsh that Ben Herd isn’t in the side because he did nothing wrong apart from getting five bookings,” said Simpson.

“But Mossy has come in and has been excellent. His performances have warranted him staying in the side.

“It just goes to show what hard work, determination, looking after your body and looking after your life does for you because it has made Mossy into a better player as far as I’m concerned.”

Meanwhile, favourable forecasts have left Town officials very optimistic that Saturday’s derby with Chester will beat the recent cold snap.

“It’s warmer today, the forecast is for it to be warmer again tomorrow and Saturday’s forecast is excellent,” said general manager Jon Harris.

“We are due a bit of a frost on Friday night but it is nothing that should cause us any grief and we have additional frost covers. We are extremely confident.”

By JAMES GARRISON