Manager Paul Simpson believes his Shrewsbury Town side can find the consistency to mount a second half of the season promotion charge.

Despite failing to regularly hit the heights this term, Shrewsbury remain in a position to compete and lie just two points outside the play-off places as the midway point of the campaign fast approaches.

Simpson is now striving for the type of consistency which Morecambe have produced over the last two months.

The Shrimps have stormed up the League Two table after a blistering run of seven consecutive victories.

And Simpson believes Morecambe’s electric recent form shows what can be done when a team hits its straps

“We are only two points off the play-offs but we have to improve,” said the Town boss.

“We had one spell of four games in September where we won our matches but we haven’t had a consistent run of team selection or results apart from that.

“I think we are more than capable of finding that consistency.

“You look at Morecambe and they have had a run of seven straight wins and it shows you what can happen in this League. That is the type of run you have to aim for to be successful.”

Meanwhile, two of Town’s key performers are on course to be fit for Saturday’s much-anticipated trip to leaders Rochdale.

Top striker Dave Hibbert and midfielder Paul Murray are both expected to be available for the visit to Spotland.

Hibbert has missed the last two games with a tight hamstring, while experienced midfielder Murray picked up ankle and back problems in last Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Grimsby.

Simpson will be hoping Craig Disley and Lewis Neal will be pushing for a place in Saturday’s squad after playing in yesterday’s 4-0 defeat in their behind closed doors game against a strong Blackburn squad.

By JAMES GARRISON