Paul Simpson was today stepping up his search to bring a loan goalkeeper to Shrewsbury – but admitted Andreas Arestidou could be in contention for a first Football League start this weekend.

First choice shot-stopper Chris Neal is facing six weeks on the sidelines after x-rays at the start of this week confirmed a broken finger sustained in training before playing in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Torquay.

That has left 19-year-old Arestidou and youth teamer Hakan Duyan as the only fit goalkeepers at the club.

Arestidou made his first Town start in last night’s 2-1 Shropshire Senior Cup final victory at AFC Telford United, and caught the eye with an excellent second half display which earned him the man-of-the-match award.

Simpson is hoping to bring in a new goalkeeper on loan within the next 24 hours, but admitted Arestidou’s performance had given him food for thought with regards his team selection for Saturday’s visit of Bury.

“We need to get another senior keeper in,” said Simpson. “Whether the senior keeper comes in and plays straight away or whether Andreas keeps his place, we will just have to wait and see.

“I wanted to bring somebody experienced in but they are impossible to get hold of.

“Everyone wants to keep them if they have got one. We will keep looking around. There are some decent younger ones available and I thought our younger one was excellent last night.

“Andreas was in my mind anyway to think about (for the weekend) because he has done really well so far.

“He was outstanding last night – made some good saves and was brave and will take a lot of confidence from that.”

Meanwhile, Simpson was delighted to bring the Shropshire Senior Cup back to the Prostar Stadium.

“I thought we dominated the first half and I was delighted with the character and attitude they have shown in coming to a difficult place,” added Simpson.

“We seem to have been battered from every quarter over recent weeks – maybe some it we deserved, some of it was undeserved.

“Everybody has questioned whether we are professional enough because we have come undone against three (non-League) teams (Telford, Blyth and Staines).

“I thought we were professional last night and I know the fans were delighted,” he added.

By JAMES GARRISON