Marc Pugh today swapped a bit-part role in Shrewsbury Town’s promotion push for the chance to impress at a higher level after joining League One strugglers Hereford United on loan.

Pugh will spend the remainder of the season as part of the Bulls survival scrap after completing a shock loan move last night.

The 21-year-old, who still has one year to run on his Shrewsbury contract, has struggled to force his way into the plans of Town boss Paul Simpson for much of their League Two season.

But now he is anxious to make the most of his chance at a higher level, handed to him by Hereford manager Graham Turner.

“The move came out of the blue,” said the former Bury man.

“I was playing for the reserves (in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Crewe) yesterday and I came off after 50 minutes. John McMahon (assistant manager) said to me that Hereford wanted to take me on loan.

“I was surprised because I was just concentrating on trying to be involved for the game at Wycombe on Saturday.

“But it’s a great challenge for me.

“Hopefully I can prove myself in a higher League and help Hereford stay up. We will have to wait and see what happens after that.”

Meanwhile, former captain Ben Davies looks to be winning his race to be fit for the crucial promotion battle at Wycombe (12.15 kick off).

Davies required 10 stitches across a deep knee wound sustained in the closing stages against Morecambe last weekend, but was due to return to training today.

“It was quite swollen initially but that’s gone down now and it looks like it’s going to be fine,” he said.

“That’s a big relief because it’s a massive game and I want to be available,” he added.

* Chesterfield, one of Town’s rivals for a top seven finish, maintained their late charge for the play-offs with a 3-0 victory over automatic promotion hopefuls Rochdale last night.

By James Garrison