Terry Dunfield has finally completed his on-off transfer to Shrewsbury Town from Macclesfield – and the midfielder could be thrown straight in to tonight’s League Two clash at Barnet.

Manager Paul Simpson saw his long pursuit of the 26-year-old finally bear fruit last night when Dunfield agreed a move to the Prostar Stadium for a nominal but undisclosed free.

The deal had looked dead as recently as the weekend but was revived and wrapped up in time for Dunfield – who has watched the last two Town games but didn’t train with his new team-mates yesterday – to be eligible for the clash at Underhill.

“Before the game on Saturday and immediately after it, I didn’t think it was going to happen,” said the Town boss.

“But I found out he was at our game on Saturday so I made a phone call on Sunday morning just to see what his thoughts were.

“I think Terry will improve our squad in an area I felt we needed strengthening.

“He’s a natural central midfielder which I thought was something we were lacking, he has got good mobility can put his foot in and be creative.

“He will be involved tonight and I will have a look throughout the day and see what part he plays.”

Town head to north London searching for the League Two away success which has proved elusive since victory at Exeter on August 16.

And Simpson is desperate for away joy against a Barnet team who have themselves only won once at home this term.

“We have shown we are a good side and we have got to start (winning away) at some point,” he said.

“We have been much better lately, more solid and harder to beat, but we need to turn draws into wins. 

“It’s obvious if we had a half-decent record away from home we would have been right up there. 

“Barnet are a good side. They showed that here, particularly in the first 25 minutes. 

“They have got a dreadful home record and we have to make sure that stays the same.”

Shrewsbury will receive a major boost tonight with the return of Grant Holt.

The 20-goal leading scorer is available after a two-match suspension.

But fellow striker Michael Symes joins long-term casualty Kevin McIntyre on the sidelines with a back problem.

By JAMES GARRISON