Captain Ian Sharps has urged Shrewsbury Town to revel in the role of underdogs in tomorrow night’s Carling Cup blockbuster at Stoke.

Town head to the Britannia Stadium hoping to cause a second round upset against Tony Pulis’ side.

Sharps has previous experience of playing at Stoke in this competition, and is hoping Shrewsbury can rise to the challenge of Premier League opposition tomorrow.

“When I was at Rotherham we played Stoke away in the last 16 two years ago and lost 2-0,” recalled Sharps.

“At 1-0 we had a few chances and if we had taken one of them, you never know but they went down the other end and scored.

“We had a go that night and if we do the same tomorrow, that’s all we can ask.

“I’m not sure who they will play but we will go there with no fear and attack them and see what happens.

“There’s no pressure on us. Everyone knows how Stoke play but they also have good, skillful players.

“It’s a good test for us to see where we are and we will have an outside chance.”

Shrewsbury make the trip up the A53 with their unbeaten record this season still intact after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Aldershot at the Greenhous Meadow.

Sharps scored his first goal since January 2009 to give Shrewsbury the lead, but admitted disappointment at Aldershot’s leveller from Anthony Charles just two minutes later.

Frustrating

“I hate conceding from set pieces and it was frustrating to let one in just after we had scored,” added Sharps.

“I thought it was two good teams who tried to pass the ball and play it in the right way.

“A draw was a fair result on balance but there is still more to come from us.

“We haven’t had the whole team at their best in any game yet.

“In the first couple of games, the attackers were brilliant and last week at Macclesfield the defenders did well.

“On Saturday, I thought everyone was about seven out of 10s.”

Striker Matt Harrold misses tomorrow night’s game through suspension after a two caution-sending off on Saturday.