Skipper Graham Coughlan has been ruled out of Shrewsbury Town’s home clash with in-form Cheltenham tonight – and is set for a minimum three-week absence.

The Irishman suffered a thigh strain during the first half of Saturday’s 3-0 victory over near neighbours Crewe Alexandra.

And the injury is likely to leave Coughlan sidelined for most – if not all – of the final five games of the regular season, which is due to end on May 8.

“It’s looking like Graham will be out for three, maybe four weeks,” boss Paul Simpson said today.

“We will see how it goes but we would be very surprised if he is back before the first week of May, which is a big blow.”

The probable return of Kelvin Langmead, who has missed the last two games with a rib injury, should ensure a direct replacement for Coughlan at centre half tonight.

Strike pair Dave Hibbert and Jamie Cureton have been struggling with a sickness bug and shin problem respectively over the last two days, but it is hoped the pair will recover to meet a Cheltenham side who have won their last three games.

And while the relegation-threatened visitors arrive in good heart, Simpson is looking for Town to build on the morale-boosting 3-0 Crewe success as they look to claw back the six points which separate them from the play-offs.

“Cheltenham will come here flying after Saturday’s result (a 5-2 win over Bury),” he added.

“We have got two home games this week (Lincoln follow on Saturday) and we have to do everything we can to get maximum points.”

Simpson, meanwhile, remained coy over whether teenager Tom Bradshaw will start after his spectacular two-goal exploits on his Football League debut at Crewe.

“Everyone is in contention,” added the Town boss. “Tom did very, very well in his 15 minutes.

“He is still learning and still developing so let’s not get carried away just yet.

“He will be in the squad along with some other young players in Danny Taylor and, possibly, Will Richards.”

By JAMES GARRISON