Youth team trio Will Richards, Danny Taylor and Jon Taylor have been called into Shrewsbury Town’s squad for tonight’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy trip to Accrington Stanley.

The three youngsters have all impressed during appearances for the reserves this season, and will be part of the squad travelling north for tonight’s clash (7pm).

Danny Taylor is a right-back and his namesake Jon a winger, while Richards plies his trade in centre midfield.

At last two of the three are expected to be included the in the 16 for a competition where just five substitutes are allowed.

“It will be a really good experience for them to be part of the squad travelling up and, if they get their chance, hopefully they can show people what they are capable of,” said manager Paul Simpson.

The Town chief is likely to ring the changes for tonight’s encounter – but is eyeing a long run in the competition.

After receiving a bye in the first round, Shrewsbury head to a ground where they have already won 3-1 in the League this season bidding for a place in the northern section quarter-finals. Simpson is aware of the potential pot of gold in the competition, having reached the final with Blackpool in 2002 and Carlisle in 2006.

“They are fantastic days and it’s a good chance to get to Wembley,” said Simpson.

“It’s a game we want to win to move on to the next round and to keep the good run going.

“But I won’t be taking any chances with players who have been carrying knocks in the last couple of weeks.”

That will rule out right-back Dean Holden, who has been battling a groin problem, and midfielder Paul Murray, who has a sore knee.

Skipper Graham Coughlan is also a doubt with a groin problem and is due to face a late fitness test.

Accrington enter the game with off-field worries. The club need to raise £308,000 to pay off an outstanding tax bill or face winding-up proceedings on October 28.

They have currently raised £90,000 – but vice-president Peter Marsden has stood down as a director while millionaire Ilyas Khan, a 17 per cent shareholder, has withdrawn his financial offer of help.

Chief executive Rob Heys said: “It’s a vital 24 hours in the club’s history.”

By JAMES GARRISON