Shrewsbury manager Paul Simpson has backed rookie goalkeeper Andreas Arestidou to return stronger after being dropped for the first time in his professional career.

Arestidou saw his three-match stint in the Town first team end when he was replaced by on-loan Tottenham goalkeeper David Button for Tuesday’s visit of Rotherham.

Town responded with a 2-0 victory and a first clean sheet in 13 matches.

But Simpson admitted former Blackburn youngster Arestidou could count himself unfortunate after being blameless for the goals conceded against AFC Telford United, Bury and Hereford.

“It was one of those decisions I felt we had to make,” said Simpson. “You look at all sorts of things to try and change things around.

“When you keep conceding goals you look at the back four, whether they are getting enough cover in front, the goalkeeping position.

“I just felt it was the right thing to do and I told Andreas on Monday.

“Sometimes it’s a little bit harsh because he hasn’t done anything wrong and hopefully he will learn from the three games he has had and come back better for it.”

Meanwhile, Simpson has admitted Town may have to learn to win ugly at home – after labelling the Prostar Stadium pitch as “dreadful.”

The playing surface won the League Two Pitch of the Year Award in 2007-8 but has cut up badly over the last two games.

“This is a really difficult pitch to play on because – I have to say – it’s dreadful,” said the Town chief.

“For whatever reason, it’s not in good nick. It’s like a bog when you try passing the ball.

“Unfortunately, on this pitch, it might have to be ugly. We might have to turn teams around, get it in behind and go and win the second ball.

“This weekend, I hope will be different because it will be a lovely surface down at Bournemouth and maybe we might be able to play.

“But we need to have the grit and determination we had from the start on Tuesday.”

By James Garrison