Jamie Cureton can produce the goals to help fire Shrewsbury Town promotion – according to the man who left him kicking his heels at Norwich.

Cureton, who has signed on a season-long loan from the Canaries, is expected to feature in some capacity as Town begin a week of promotion ding-dong battles at Bury tonight.

And he begins his Shrewsbury career with a ringing endorsement from former Town striker Grant Holt, also the club’s record signing.

Holt has seen Cureton at close quarters this season having left Shrewsbury for League One Norwich last summer.

And while his 24 goals have played a part in leaving Cureton starved of first-team action since November, he believes Town’s new recruit can be a major success story in Shropshire.

“Jamie is a great lad and a great player and I’m sure he will be a big asset for Shrewsbury,” said Holt, whose side is currently seeking promotion to the Championship.

“If you look at his goal-scoring record over the last few years, it is fantastic.

“He has not really had a look-in down here with the strikers in the team doing well, but I’m sure he will show what a good player he is at Shrewsbury.

“I spoke to Paul Simpson and told him about Jamie and spoke to Jamie about life at Shrewsbury.

“I had good things to say to both of them and I’m sure it will work out for both parties.”

Cureton, fresh from scoring in an hour-long appearance for Town reserves at Burton on Wednesday, is waiting to hear if Simpson gives him a starting berth tonight or sticks with the same team after a run of six victories in eight games.

But. either way the 34-year-old is delighted to have a fresh challenge after a frustrating period at Carrow Road.

“I’ve not played much football and been training with the kids at Norwich and I want to be playing games,” he said.

“I had other options but I felt this was the right one and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Shrewsbury will move into the top three tonight should they beat Bury and Rotherham fail to defeat Torquay.

By JAMES GARRISON