Paul Simpson and Roy Keane have united to hail Shrewsbury Town after they came within a whisker of claiming the Championship scalp of Ipswich.

Town bowed out of the Carling Cup at the first hurdle 4-2 on penalties after a pulsating Prostar Stadium tie had finished 3-3 at the end of 90 minutes and extra time.

Keane made 10 changes to his Ipswich team which kicked off their League campaign with a defeat at Coventry on Sunday, but still fielded a side packed with internationals and talented youngsters.

And the former Manchester United captain praised Shrewsbury for their display – and backed them to figure in the League Two promotion race once again.

“The fitness levels of the players – particularly (Graham) Coughlan – were excellent,” said Keane.

“He is a great example to a lot of young players because he was going as strong as anybody in extra-time so credit to that boy and credit to Shrewsbury.

“I’m sure they will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season, just like they were last time.”

Shrewsbury boss Simpson believes the performance was one of the best in his 18 months in charge at Town.

“I think it’s as good a football we have had since I have been at the club,” he said.

“We played some good stuff on Saturday (against Burton) in patches and had some good football last night and defended well.

“But it’s shown that if you give quality players that extra yard of space and they will punish you.

“It was a fantastic game but it’s just disappointing to lose.

“We knew it was going to be tough because they are good football players and they showed it.

“But we stuck to our job really well and it’s just disappointing to go that far, have 120 minutes and take it to penalties and not got anything from it.

“The Carling Cup isn’t our priority but I desperately wanted to get through.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I thought the way we went about it was fantastic and that’s what I want from them.

“They have worked really hard from July 1 onwards and long may it continue.”

By JAMES GARRISON