Manager Paul Simpson believes the prospect of ‘big games against big names’ will provide the perfect motivation for Shrewsbury Town’s play-off campaign.

Town entertain Bury in the first leg of the play-off semi-finals tomorrow gunning for a place in League One.

And they do so knowing some of English football’s most established names will be competing in the third tier next term.

Southampton, Charlton and Norwich, clubs which have been amongst the elite of Premiership as recently as the last four years, will all be in League One after being relegated from the Championship.

And they may also be joined by Leeds – Champions League semi-finalists just eight years ago – should the Elland Road club fail to win their play-offs.

Simpson believes the possibility of those attractive fixtures provides his team with the ideal incentive to overcome Bury in the two-legged semi-final tomorrow and Sunday, and go on to seal promotion at Wembley on May 23.

“You just have to look at places we could possibly go to next season and gives you that incentive,” said Simpson.

“If ever you wanted an incentive and something extra, you just have to look at the likes of Norwich, Charlton, Southampton and possibly Leeds.

“It’s got to be where every player wants to be.

“When you dream about being a footballer it’s not about playing at some small grounds, it’s about being a the big stadiums and this semi-final gives us the chance to take a step closer to that.”

Simpson admitted he has been thrilled to see the response of supporters, players and staff since sealing a play-off berth on Saturday.

“There is a buzz about the place,” he added.

“You just have to come into the football club to see the queues of people wanting tickets and everybody answering phone calls in the office and dealing with the demand.

“We did all the preparation for the ‘what if we are in the play-offs’ scenario and we are now putting it into practice.

“The fans are obviously looking forward to it. I hope we sell out here and they realise the importance of the help they can give the football club with their support and backing.”