Shattered midfielder Paul Murray backed boss Paul Simpson’s decision to substitute him in the side’s play-off glory at Bury, but pledged: “I’ll be fit for Wembley.”

The 32-year-old lasted 65 minutes of the gripping second leg that went to extra-time and penalties on Sunday.

He had been an influential figure in the middle of the park, but admitted he was tiring after a hectic week that also saw him play in the win-or-bust clash at Dagenham and the first leg against the Shakers.

• Send Shrewsbury Town your support here

Now Murray – who also joined the army of admirers for goalkeeper Luke Daniels – believes a fortnight without a game will have him raring to go for the big final against Gillingham.

“It was the third game in a week for me and I’m getting on, so it’s difficult for the full 90,” he said.

“The gaffer made the right decision because he saw me tiring, and if someone runs off the back of me and I can’t manage to get back at them it could be costly.

“It was nice to be involved in the game and all of us felt part of it, but I don’t think you can look past the goalkeeper.

“It was just an awesome display and I don’t think Sky TV have ever seen anything like it.”

On the nail-biting period of extra-time, when Shrewsbury were under constant pressure, he added: “It was very nervy – at one stage I thought I was going to go into the toilet and not come back out.

“But the lads’ composure on the penalties was absolutely superb from every one of them. Every penalty was superb.”

The former Queen’s Park Rangers, Carlisle and Gretna man also paid tribute to the side’s resilience, particularly for finding a way to win on the road just when their play-off hopes looked dashed.

“We always believed we could get there, even if we have had to do it the hard way this season,” he added.

“We’ve turned the away form around on its head this season, winning our last three away games on the trot – and Wembley is an away game as well.

“It’s down to strength of character from the lads and all the staff. It’s a great achievement given that at one point we thought it was all gone.

“We went to Dagenham knowing we had to win and we’re at Wembley now, so it was all worthwhile.”

By CHRIS HUDSON