Fit-again striker Dave Hibbert has pledged to take his chance to help Shrewsbury Town fill the void created by Grant Holt’s big money departure.

Town remain on the search for striking reinforcements following leading scorer Holt’s move to League One Norwich last week and the decision of Paul Benson to reject a move from Dagenham.

Hibbert became a peripheral figure during the second half of last term as he dropped down the strike pecking order before struggling with back and foot injuries.

But those injury problems are now behind the 23-year-old, who had his first pre-season outing in last night’s goalless draw with Ellesmere in what was predominately a Town youth team.

And now Hibbert is hoping to force his way back into the plans of manager Paul Simpson as Shrewsbury attempt to recover from the blow of losing Holt.

“I’m personally disappointed to see Holty go because he’s a nice lad as well as a great player,” said the former Preston striker.

“Everyone else now has to step up to the plate – not just the strikers but the midfielders as well.

“I don’t think we scored enough goals last season all around – we relied on Holty too much.

“Everyone has got to chip in but it’s a good opportunity and hopefully if I do get a chance I can stake a claim.

“People probably didn’t see the best of me last season, with struggling with the injury for a lot of the time.

“It’s nice to get that sorted out and I just want to enjoy my football again.”

Hibbert admitted he was relieved not to have had to undergo surgery over the summer.

“I was booked in for an operation but luckily I saw a specialist in London who has been absolutely brilliant and sorted everything out with my back and foot,” he added.

“I did two sessions yesterday and played in the game last night and it’s feeling good.”

Amongst the strikers Simpson has been linked with a move for is Port Vale’s Marc Richards.

But one forward who won’t feature in the future is Frenchman Gethier Diesatia who played as a trialist last night.

“He will be going back (to France) today,” confirmed Simpson.

By JAMES GARRISON