Boss Graham Turner is urging Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper Chris Neal to make the most of his opportunity – after seeing Ben Smith ruled out for a fortnight.

Smith was taken off just 21 minutes into Saturday’s 1-0 win at Macclesfield Town due to a groin problem, with Neal coming on to replace him.

Town’s medical staff have now assessed the injury and ruled the summer signing from Doncaster out for two weeks, giving Neal the chance to stake his claim.

“I think it was a a very close decision (as to who would be the first choice goalkeeper),” said Turner.

“Chris Neal has done nothing wrong in training and he did nothing wrong when he came on on Saturday, and he’s got an opportunity now.

“He was disappointed that he didn’t get the nod at the start of the season but he has kept his work ethic right and it’s up to him to keep the shirt.”

Turner has also ruled out the possibility of bringing in another keeper to cover Smith’s absence, backing young pro Hakan Duyan to serve as an able deputy.

Duyan is set for an outing in tonight’s reserve clash away to Bury – a game that will be played at the home of Evo-Stik League division one north club Radcliffe Borough (7pm).

Coach Michael Jackson will take charge of the second string this evening, and will be fielding an experienced line-up.

Town’s side will include defender Shane Cansdell-Sherriff, midfielder Steve Leslie, winger Lewis Neal and forward Benjamin van den Broek.

Striker Kris Bright will also feature in what will be his first outing since undergoing a summer shoulder operation.

“We’ve got people who need to get some match practice,” added the Town boss. “Shane’s not had an awful lot of football through pre-season and it’s important he gets a game.”

Town’s reserve line-up: Duyan, Goldson, Hooman, Cansdell-Sherriff, D Taylor, J Taylor, van den Broek, Leslie, L Neal, Bright, Bradshaw.

By CHRIS HUDSON