Boss Graham Turner insists Shrewsbury Town will take the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy seriously, declaring: “I can’t understand how clubs treat it lightly.”

Town will attempt to make progress in the lower League competition tonight when they head to League One high-flyers Oldham for a first round tie.

Turner has previous success in the competition having won it with Wolves in 1988, while Shrewsbury reached the final back in 1996.

“It’s a competition which becomes very important when you get to the later stages,” said Turner.

“In order to get to the later stages, you have to go to places like Oldham and win.

“We went to Wembley with Wolves and there were 82,000 there against Burnley.

“This club has been to Wembley in this competition and it’s a terrific occasion.

“I can’t understand how clubs treat it lightly.

“We will be treating it with a great deal of seriousness. We will take some supporters tonight and they will have travelled a long way.

“They will expect to see a performance from the players so we will be giving it a right good go.”

Tonight’s trip to Boundary Park is likely to come too early for the return of Lionel Ainsworth from a groin problem, while fellow winger Mark Wright is also a doubt with a minor knock.

And Turner is aware a tough encounter awaits against an Oldham side, managed by rookie boss Paul Dickov, who are fourth and unbeaten in League One.

“They are a very hard working side and we can expect a very competitive game,” added Turner.

“We accept it’s going to be a big challenge.

“But we just feel the form we are in at the moment and the confidence that is running through the team will stand us in good stead for whatever Oldham throw at us.”

If tonight’s game, a 7.45pm kick off, is level after 90 minutes, it will go straight to penalties.