Paul Peschisolido is planning to spoil new-look Shrewsbury Town’s season opener – and lead Burton Albion to a flying start in the Football League.

Burton boss Peschisolido is counting down the days to the start of the League Two campaign, and believes his side can take the spoils at the Prostar Stadium on Saturday.

The former Birmingham and Stoke striker took over the reins at Burton in the summer, following the club’s promotion to the League as Blue Square Premier champions.

And he is relishing the prospect of facing Shrewsbury side likely to include several of manager Paul Simpson’s 10 summer signings.

“It’s a huge day for everybody involved in the club, including myself,” said Peschisolido. “There are so many firsts – it’s my first game in charge and the club’s first game in the Football League.

“I know the supporters are really looking forward to it. It’s a big challenge but we’re prepared.

“It would have been nice to open up at home at the Pirelli Stadium, but Shrewsbury is a great place to go and it’s a brand new stadium.

“They missed out in the play-offs last season so we know they’re going to be a strong side and Paul Simpson is a great manager who’s done extremely well. We’re expecting a tough battle.”

Burton’s side is likely to include striker Richard Walker, who spent last season on loan at Shrewsbury from Bristol Rovers.

His time in Shropshire was not as successful as hoped, but Peschisolido is backing him to get back among the goals.

“Richard’s been absolutely brilliant in pre-season,” added the Canadian. “He didn’t figure too much for Shrewsbury towards the end of last season, but we’ve got him fighting fit and he’s scored a couple of goals in the last couple of friendlies.

“We’ve tapped into his brain and got a few things from last season about Shrewsbury – we’d be silly not to.”

The Burton chief is not getting carried away with his side’s prospects, but looks to the example of Exeter – who won automatic promotion last year after coming up – for inspiration.

“Realistically speaking, it’s taken this club a long time to get where they are now,” he said. “The first job is to make sure we retain our status.

“After that, you never know. ”

By CHRIS HUDSON