Shrewsbury Town striker Jake Robinson believes the Boxing Day blockbuster with Bury will be the perfect benchmark for his team’s promotion chances – if it beats the big freeze.

Victory for Town would see them leapfrog Bury, who are currently third, and give Graham Turner’s side every chance of returning to the League Two automatic promotion places.

But Robinson knows a tough battle lies ahead against a Bury outfit who have notched an impressive seven victories from 10 away League Two matches to date this term.

“We are fully assuming it’s going ahead at the moment and it’s a great game to look forward to,” declared Robinson.

“Bury have been going really well in the League in general, and especially away from home, so it’s a bit of a yardstick for us.

“But everyone is feeling really good and we had just hit some good form before the break. The break has come at the wrong time for us because we wanted to carry on the momentum.

“The only teams that benefit from this kind of break are the ones that are struggling as they have a chance to re-group.

“But we are playing well as a team and we are looking forward to it.”

Robinson is hoping the festive Christmas programme – in which Town are scheduled to play four games in nine days – will see him finally reach double figures for the season.

By JAMES GARRISON