Defender Dean Holden has emerged as a fitness doubt as Shrewsbury Town chase their fourth successive victory at Cheltenham tonight.

The right back suffered a minor groin injury in the closing stages of Saturday’s 3-0 success over Northampton.

Town’s medical team will continue to monitor the problem throughout today before manager Paul Simpson finalises his line-up for the trip to Whaddon Road.

“Dean is still a bit sore,” said Simpson. “We are hoping he will be okay but we will see how he is.

“We want to be sure that playing him tonight will not keep him out for a longer period of time.”

Should 30-year-old Holden not be deemed fit, Simpson has insisted he would have no qualms throwing in Harry Hooman from the start, after the 18-year-old impressed in his Football League debut as a substitute on Saturday.

“Like all the youngsters, Harry is in the squad on merit so I wouldn’t have a problem with that,” added the Town boss.

Tonight’s clash sees Shrewsbury meet one of last season’s relegated teams for the second time in four days.

Cheltenham will be reeling from their 4-1 defeat at Aldershot on Saturday, but Simpson has called for more of the same from his side.

“I just want us to carry on where we have left off over the last couple of weeks,” he added.

“We want to be as professional as we have been away from home at Accrington and Lincoln.

“They will be disappointed by Saturday and from the bits I know of Martin Allen (Cheltenham manager), he will have them fired up to put that right.

“But we are on a good run and we want that to become a good long run.”

Town will be looking to continue a proud defensive record tonight after not conceding a goal in 326 minutes of action.

But they will have to be at their best against a Cheltenham team who have scored in every game they have played this season.

l Town have now finalised an agreement for goalkeeper Steve Phillips to remain at the Prostar Stadium for another month. His initial loan was due to expire after tonight’s game.