Shrewsbury Town boss Graham Turner returns to familiar territory as his side prepare for a trip to League newcomers Stevenage tomorrow.

It is a club with which Turner had plenty of encounters during his time at Hereford United and he admits the clash will be a test of his side’s improving away form.

Town’s victory at Crewe 10 days ago was their first success on their travels since August and was followed by an encouraging display in the last gasp FA Cup defeat at Southampton last weekend.

And Turner is keen for his side to pick up points at the Lamex Stadium against a Stevenage side who are unbeaten in six games.

He said: “I know them well from my days in the Conference with Hereford and I know what to expect.

“We played them regularly and obviously they’ve come up and they’re doing well. They will be a tough side and it will be as tough a test as we face all season.

“Graham Westley (manager)will have them very well organised and they are going well at home.

“There is quite a bit of height and strength about them so we will have to be at our best.”

Town look set to continue with a lone front man with Turner adding the switch in formation didn’t mean a move away from an attacking intent.

“The way we have been playing it is more like a 4-3-3 because we have two out and out wingers and Jake (Robinson) or one of the other attacking lads up front,” he explained.

“People can talk about formations but all we are doing is asking the three central midfielders to play a little bit differently. In my mind it is still very much an attacking formation.”

Skipper Ian Sharps returns to the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury but fellow defenders David Raven and Daniel O’Donnell remain sidelined.

Turner added: “Ian has trained every day since Monday and will be okay. He is club captain but we will have to have a look at the last two performances before making a decision on the team.”

By ALEX JAMES