Manager Paul Simpson has urged Shrewsbury Town to maintain their early season momentum by claiming the Championship scalp of Roy Keane’s Ipswich tonight.

Town will be looking to build on Saturday’s opening League Two success over Burton in a mouth-watering first round tie in the Carling Cup, a competition which is celebrating its 50th year.

But they will have to cope without one of the star performers from the weekend’s 3-1 triumph, with Joss Labadie ruled out.

The on-loan midfielder’s parent club, West Bromwich Albion, do not want the 18-year-old cup-tied at this stage of the season.

But striker Kris Bright is available for the first time after his international clearance was received.

And Simpson is confident his team can put up a strong showing against the Tractor Boys, who were beaten by Coventry on Sunday.

“It’s going to be a great test for us,” said the Town boss.

“They are an established and settled Championship side and any team sent out by Roy Keane is going to be competitive.

“We were disappointed to go out in the first round last season (to Carlisle) and hopefully we can get through tonight.

“It’s the second game of the season, we want to win it to progress and build on what we did on Saturday.”

Simpson is looking forward to pitting his wits against former Manchester United midfielder Keane.

“I had quite a few dealings with him when I was at Preston and he was at Sunderland because they were trying to sign David Nugent,” he added.

“I’ve always found him a really good fella and a pleasure to deal with.”

Keane, meanwhile, has hinted at rotating his squad tonight with young quintet Shane O’Connor, Troy Brown, Jack Ainsley, Reggie Lambe and Ed Upson all included in the travelling party.

The first round tie must be decided tonight, with extra-time coming into operation if the scores are level after 90 minutes and penalties beyond that.

Another League Two club up against Championship opposition tonight are Bury, who will host West Brom – who drew with Newcastle United on Saturday.

By JAMES GARRISON