Morecambe manager Sammy McIllroy believes his side have enjoyed the perfect preparation for tomorrow’s trip to Shrewsbury Town as they attempt to continue their late play-off charge.

An 11 game unbeaten run, which includes Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Barnet, has helped the Shrimps creep up on the rails in recent weeks.

They are currently in 10th place in the table, seven points behind Town in the last play-off position but with a game in hand.

And McIllroy, who was heavily linked with the Shrewsbury job before the appointment of Paul Simpson a little over a year ago, insists his team’s trip to the Prostar Stadium has come at the perfect time.

“To have any chance of the play-offs, we have to get as many wins as we can now towards the end of the season,” said McIllroy.

“We know Shrewsbury will be difficult. They have spent money and are in the play-offs. It will be a big test but we can’t go into the game any better prepared.

“We know we are going to have to be at our best to get something from the game but the lads are full of confidence at the moment.

“We know how they play. They have got some big players in the side like Grant Holt up front but we know what they are all about.

“We have to go there and not be frightened but stand up to them. There will be a big crowd and a big atmosphere but we have a lot of strength and belief going into the game.”

Morecambe will be bidding for a double tomorrow after inflicting a 1-0 defeat on Town at Christie Park at the start of September.

And, after a hectic run of fixtures in recent weeks, McIllroy has welcomed a blank seven days in the build-up to tomorrow’s crucial clash.

He said: “I am glad we didn’t have a midweek game this week as we have got a few tired legs and a few of the lads are mentally tired.

“There are a few lads carrying little bangs but this clean week for us will be good for us.”