Richard Walker insists he hasn’t given up hope of transforming himself from Shrewsbury Town play-off heart-breaker to dream-fulfiler.

Walker was the Town villain at Wembley two years ago as he struck twice for Bristol Rovers in a 3-1 victory in the play-off final.

The 31-year-old, on a season-long loan from Rovers this term, is now part of the Town squad bidding to seal promotion against Gillingham on Saturday.

But the mid-season arrivals of Moses Ashikodi, Nick Chadwick and Omer Riza have left the frontman playing a bit-part role since Christmas.

Support Shrewsbury Town here

He wasn’t in the 16 for either of the play-off semi-finals against Bury, but is now hoping to make a late bid to force his way into the plans of manager Paul Simpson.

“I haven’t been involved too much but you never know,” said Walker. “I’m going to give it my best shot in training this week and do everything I can.

“Chadders (Chadwick) has done ever so well and Omer came in and did well against Bury.

“It will be difficult but you can’t rule anything out.

“There are still a good few days where I can try and do something in training to persuade the manager.

“I’m still getting a bit of banter for those two goals at Wembley so it would be fantastic to have the opportunity to put that right.

“I will be trying everything and I will have my fingers crossed but if I’m not involved, I will be right behind the lads.

“There will be no sulking. I want the best for the lads that have done so well all season and it’s just nice to be part of it.”

Walker is confident Town are peaking at the right time ahead of one of the biggest games in their history, and sees similarities between Shrewsbury’s late charge for the play-offs with that of Rovers two years ago.

“We were on a great run at Bristol Rovers at the time and went into the final full of confidence,” added the Birmingham-based frontman.

“Even though we went a goal down early in the final, we felt as though we could get back into it.

“It’s the same here now. We are hitting form at just the right time and going into it with momentum.

“The results we have had recently have been fantastic.

“The lads are full of confidence and the spirit is great.

“Everyone is looking forward to it, and if you win it it’s brilliant because it’s something you will remember for the rest of your life,” he added.

By JAMES GARRISON