Loan goalkeeper Steve Phillips is hoping to put himself in the shop window during his one-month loan spell at Shrewsbury Town.

Phillips was signed on an initial one-month loan yesterday to cover a groin injury to first choice stopper Chris Neal.

The 31-year-old, who has been first choice goalkeeper at Bristol Rovers for the last three seasons, has dropped down the pecking order this term following the arrival of Fraser Forster and Rhys Evans.

Now he is hoping to prove his worth at Shrewsbury after an unexpected chance to play some first-team games.

“I’m really looking forward to it because it’s a fantastic football club,” said Phillips.

“I haven’t been playing at Bristol Rovers and there is no reserve team so it would have just meant sitting on the bench which is no good to me because I want to be playing.

“I’ve got six or seven games now to make an impression and hopefully put myself in the shop window – for either Shrewsbury or another club – because Bristol Rovers have told me I can leave on a free.”

Phillips will make his debut at Accrington Stanley on Saturday, and admits he faces a race against time to familiarise himself with his new team-mates.

“It can be a bit daunting because there are 20 or 30 players here and I have got a day to learn all their names before a tough game at Accrington,” he added.

“But I will keep my wits about me and I’m sure we will be ready to go on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, left-winger Lewis Neal made his comeback for the reserves in their 4-0 defeat to Derby County at the Prostar Stadium last night.

All the goals in the totesport.com Central League clash came in the second half.

Neal is looking to force himself into first team contention after suffering an ankle injury in the pre-season friendly at Tranmere Rovers at the start of the month.