Hot-shot striker Dave Hibbert believes Shrewsbury Town are playing themselves into contention to battle it out for an automatic promotion spot.

Hibbert scored the equaliser on Saturday to set Town on their way to a 2-1 win over Dagenham & Redbridge that elevated them to fifth in the League Two table.

It meant he had scored for the fifth consecutive League game to keep him among the leading contenders for the division’s golden boot.

But it is the team’s consistent form – they are now five unbeaten – that has really got him believing that promotion is a realistic aim.

“We’re not concerned about anyone else, we’re just worried about ourselves,” he declared.

“If we keep playing as we have been and working hard for each other, then I don’t see why we won’t be right up there come the end of the season.

“We’ve got to keep going and stay unbeaten, and see where we end up – but we want to be in the top three. That should be the target.”

Hibbert has now scored 14 goals this season, a record that has breathed new life into a Town career that appeared on the brink of ruin due to injury.

He renewed his partnership with summer signing Jake Robinson on Saturday, the former Brighton man having forced his way back in from the cold.

Robinson was a regular starter in the early weeks of the season, but fell out of favour after the FA Cup defeat to Staines in November.

“I had a bit of a quiet spell before Christmas where they dried up but I’m on a hot streak at the minute and long may it continue,” said Hibbert.

“I want to score as many as I can, and it was great to have Jake alongside me – I thought he was brilliant on Saturday.

“We seem to do well when we play together.

“He’s had to wait his turn to come back in, but he’s not caused any problems and he’s taken his chance.”