Shrewsbury manager Paul Simpson today hailed Dean Holden for battling through the pain barrier – but the right back is ruled out of this weekend’s FA Cup assignment by a ban.

Holden has recovered from an indifferent start to his Town career to become one of the most consistent performers in recent weeks.

And Simpson has revealed that improvement has become despite the 30-year-old being troubled by a groin niggle.

“Dean is an outstanding footballer and a good pro,” said the Town boss.

“We have had a problem in recent weeks because he hasn’t been able to train and he’s been coming out to train on a Friday and then playing and has been trying to stay off the right foot because of his groin.

“But Nathan (Ring, physio) has nursed him through and I think we are seeing a much more balanced team now because he is able to play as a right back properly.”

Holden, however, will miss Saturday’s FA Cup first round meeting with Staines with a one-match suspension after collecting his fifth booking of the season at Notts County last weekend.

That means Simpson will be forced into at least four changes to his starting line-up.

The loan spell of goalkeeper Steve Phillips has now come to an end, while the parent clubs of Jamie Devitt and Waide Fairhurst – Hull and Doncaster respectively – have both refused permission for the duo to play in the FA Cup.

Meanwhile, midfielder Terry Dunfield is hoping to make his return to action against his former club Macclesfield at reserve team level next week.

Dunfield returned to full training yesterday, two months after dislocating his shoulder in a training ground accident.

“It was a big relief to be back yesterday and you don’t realise how much it means to you until you’re not involved,” he said.

“The injury came at a bad time because I was just waiting for an opportunity to get involved in a game but now I just want to show what I’m capable of.”

By JAMES GARRISON