Experienced defender Mike Jackson today vowed to return to Shrewsbury Town’s starting line-up and become a key cornerstone of their promotion push.

Jackson’s arrival from Blackpool last summer was heralded as one of the major signings of manager Paul Simpson.

But the 35-year-old has not featured since the 2-2 draw at Chesterfield on November 14.

A one game suspension and two niggling injuries initially kept him out of Simpson’s plans, but Jackson has since been left kicking his heels by the consistent form of Graham Coughlan and Kelvin Langmead.

The centre-half, however, remains intent on earning a fresh chance to impress.

“It has been disappointing,” admitted Jackson, who now requires just eight more Football League starts to reach 550 in his career.

“I got suspended first off and then had a couple of injections in my back and some problems with that.

“I came back and after a day’s training I did my ankle.

“The lads have done pretty well since I have been out so you don’t expect to walk straight back into the team – but it’s very disappointing.

“You just have to get on with it. You can’t feel sorry for yourself. It’s part and parcel of football.

Lying

“I have not had much of it in my career so it has been a bit strange. It’s just something I have to deal with.

“I want to be playing and I hate not doing so. Anyone who says they don’t mind is lying.

“If you don’t care about not playing you shouldn’t be in football in the first place.

“There is no worse a feeling when you are not playing on a Saturday. Your day isn’t the same.

“Hopefully I will get my chance. The lads have done well but I’m fighting to try and get back in the team because once I get in I won’t be getting back out.”

Jackson was pencilled in for a much needed run-out today as part of a strong reserve team heading for Sheffield Wednesday this afternoon.

Goalkeeper Glyn Garner missed the trip to Hillsborough with a shoulder problem.

By JAMES GARRISON