Striking sensation Dave Hibbert hopes to revive his Shrewsbury career after a man-of-the-match display that got Town off to a League Two flier.

Hibbert was a shock selection in boss Paul Simpson’s side for Saturday’s opener against Burton Albion, but went on to score the second goal in a 3-1 victory.

The former Preston man only found out he was playing an hour-and-a-half before kick-off when it was revealed that new signing Kris Bright’s international clearance had not come through.

It was Hibbert’s first start since the 2-1 defeat at Accrington last October and his first goal since the 7-0 demolition of Gillingham at the Prostar Stadium last September.

“I got overlooked a little bit last year,” said the 23-year-old. “I was never properly fit but I felt there were times when I could have played.

“I was buzzing when the gaffer told me I was in. I got my chance and hopefully I’ve done enough to stay in there.

“I didn’t even know if I was going to make the subs’ bench because I haven’t had a lot of training or game-time with the first team. To start and to score was great.”

Hibbert’s re-emergence was all the more remarkable given that he had not featured in a first team friendly.

A foot injury had hampered him in recent months, and he only fully recovered in time to play in two firendlies for a combined youth/reserve side. “I’ve only had a week’s training and I had to come off with cramp because I’m still lacking a bit of match fitness,” he added.

“I played 90 minutes for the youth team last week, but this is a very different pace and it was a baking hot day.

“It’s been a long old road and it’s so nice to get my foot sorted and be pain-free instead of being out there thinking: ‘How the hell am I going to get through this?’”

Boss Paul Simpson was delighted to get off to a winning start against an awkward Burton side – but refused to get carried away.

“Burton will cause people problems,” he said. “They’ve got good ability, good midfield players.

“At least we’ve got off to a good start.

“The big weakness for us was our away form last season. We’ve got two away games in the League to come and we need to make sure we do them better than we did last season.”

By CHRIS HUDSON