Captain Ian Sharps believes Shrewsbury Town have the strength in depth in their squad to cope with the demanding rigours of the crucial Christmas period in League Two – weather permitting.

Should the snow and ice allow, Town are due to begin a run of four games in nine days when they entertain Bury on Boxing Day.

And Sharps believes Town’s depth in numbers could give them an edge over their promotion rivals during the most exacting spell of the campaign.

“It is a tough period with four games in nine days but we have got a big enough squad to cope with it,” said the former Tranmere and Rotherham defender.

“Everyone is ready and capable of going in and doing a job, which will help

“The manager might decide to freshen things up when we have got one game and then another one a couple of days later – and it’s great that he has got a lot of options.”

Sharps admitted Town’s current inactivity – they have managed to play one game since November 23 – is proving frustrating.

But the 30-year-old has known a worse situation than the one currently ruining the sporting programme.

“Last season at Rotherham we had six straight games called off,” revealed the centre half. “The Oxford game on Saturday was frustrating because we were at the ground ready to leave on the coach when the news came through.

“All you can do in these situations is prepare as though the next game will be on and hopefully that will be the case with Bury on Boxing Day. I’m sure we will work hard over the next few days — whether it be in the gym or on the Astroturf — and we will be ready.”