Shrewsbury Town were today continuing their hunt for a last ditch loan signing ahead of tonight’s trip to Crewe – with rookie defender Connor Goldson placed on standby for a Football League debut.

Town have a string of defensive injury worries ahead of tonight’s big League Two battle – with centre-half the worst-hit area.

Captain Ian Sharps, Danny O’Donnell and Harry Hooman are all almost certain absentees, so boss Graham Turner and his management team have spent the last 24 hours pursuing potential emergency loan options.

That search was continuing today with Football League rules giving them up until three hours before kick-off tonight to complete a temporary move.

Should that bid fail, 17-year-old Goldson – who has come through the ranks at Shrewsbury – could be thrown into the heat of battle for a senior debut.

Ironically, Goldson missed training at the end of last week with a bout of tendonitis but had recovered to come through yesterday’s session.

Town’s injury problems don’t end there with David Raven expected to miss out at right back after his groin injury returned in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Barnet. Dean Holden is almost certain to deputise.

Strikers Kris Bright and Tom Bradshaw are also likely to be sidelined, with winger Lionel Ainsworth still a major doubt with a groin problem. Lewis Neal trained yesterday and is expected to be available.

Town make the trip aiming to end a run of four defeats in their last five away League games.

“Crewe are a decent side with some good attacking players,” said Turner.

“We have got to start picking up results away.

“The home results have been decent but we have to start grinding out those results away from home and what better place to start than tonight.”

Crewe striker Calvin Zola – a target for Shrewsbury last month – is expected to be on the bench for the hosts.

By JAMES GARRISON