Club captain Graham Coughlan today opened his heart on receiving the Shrewsbury Town axe – and vowed: “I’ll get back to my best”.

Coughlan was dropped for one of the first occasions in his 15-year career for last week’s shock 2-0 home defeat to bottom club Darlington.

But the experienced defender has vowed to shrug off that personal disappointment and re-discover his form for the League Two run-in.

And he is hoping to push for a recall in the Easter double header at Torquay on Saturday and at home to Notts County on Monday.

“I was gutted to be left out,” said the 35-year-old defender.

“It hasn’t happened too many times in my career – probably only once or twice – and it’s not a nice feeling.

“With the way things have been going, I don’t think any of us could have had any complaints about being left out – shirts one to 11 were all up for grabs.

“I’m my biggest critic and I know I’ve not been where I need to be.

“But I’m not the type to accept it, and mope about and sulk. I will -  and have been – putting in extra hours to get back to my best.

“I’ve no doubt the ability is there. I just need to get my form back.

“We will have to wait and see what this weekend brings but hopefully I won’t have that huge disappointment again.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Craig Disley could return at the end of the month in time to play a part in the season finale.

The midfielder has been sidelined by an ankle injury, but boss Paul Simpson gave an optimistic bulletin on his progress.

“He’s hoping to start running in the next week to 10 days,” said the Town manager.

“He’s not only had an ankle problem, he’s also had a hernia operation, but he’s progressing really well.

“He’s a naturally fit lad so he could play a part by the end of April and if, as we hope, our season goes into mid or late May, then he would be available.”

Shrewsbury’s reserve game against Derby County last night was postponed because the pitch at Alfreton Town was waterlogged.