Striker Dave Hibbert insists he is ready to answer Shrewsbury Town’s call for goals in the absence of Grant Holt this weekend.

Hibbert was on target in yesterday’s 4-1 reserve team triumph over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

And the forward is now hoping that will have aided his cause for a starting berth at former club Port Vale on Saturday.

Holt – who has already scored 20 times this term – will miss the derby as he begins a two-match suspension, leaving Hibbert, Richard Walker, Michael Symes and new recruit Nick Chadwick to challenge for starts.

And the 22-year-old insists he is capable of finding the goals Shrewsbury are searching for after only Holt had found the net since November 25.

“To put in a good performance and get a goal yesterday was a real confidence boost,” said Hibbert, who spent a decade at Port Vale before leaving for Preston at the age of 19. Hopefully it has given the manager something to think about for Saturday and I can be involved. “I’m very confident in my ability to score goals and hopefully I will get my chance to do that this weekend.

“There are five strikers at the club at the moment and only two places available.

“Grant has been superb and the other spot is up for grabs. With Grant out for the next two games, it’s up to the other lads who get their chance to take it.”

Despite his lack of football, Hibbert insists he is not seeking to move elsewhere in the January transfer window.

“I want to fight for my place here,” he added. “I’m not just going to walk away from it because I want to prove myself here.”

Meanwhile, Town’s postponed game against Chester has been provisionally rescheduled for Tuesday, February 17.