Shrewsbury Town full-back Ben Herd today reflected on a season of limited first team opportunities but insisted: “I have become a better player.”

The 23-year-old has been forced to play second fiddle to Darren Moss in the battle for the right back berth at Town for much of the season, but believes he has taken big strides in his development.

“It’s obviously disappointing not to have played more, but I always look for the positives and I think I have improved as a footballer this season,” he said.

“I have watched more matches with not being in the team and I’ve become a bit of a student of the game. And it’s enabled me to pick a few things up that I can use to improve.

“I think I have improved on the ball – there is still work to do on that front, but I have got better.

“I think I’ve got a lot more confidence and, because I was given licence to get forward early in the season, my energy levels are good.”

Herd, who is out of contract at the end of the season but is keen to extend his stay at Town, knows from past experience that he must keep himself on alert for a potential call-up as the season draws to a close.

Meanwhile, Town winger Marc Pugh believes his loan stint at Hereford has been a learning curve – despite the Bulls being relegated from League One.

“As well as getting first team football, going to Hereford has given me a chance to play at a higher level,” said Pugh.

“The big difference I’ve found is that there are better quality players in this division, strikers are more clinical in their finishing and the central defenders are quicker and stronger.”

By JAMES GARRISON