Shrewsbury Town boss Graham Turner believes the new year double-header presents an ideal opportunity for his side to underline their promotion push.

Town head to Burton Albion tomorrow before welcoming Crewe Alexandra to the Greenhous Meadow on Monday in two games which Turner believes could define his team’s season.

With a host of matches called off over the last few weeks due to the icy weather – the Town chief knows how important a good start to the year is.

“I think tomorrow is a really big game for us,” he said.

“It was always going to be a crucial part of the season with so many games – obviously that has been affected by the weather but it is about how we react to that now.

“It was good to get back out on grass yesterday for the first time in a while.

“It can be difficult having gone so long without a game but you just have to hope that the players are ready from kick off. I’m sure they will be once we have another training session and we’ll be ready for Burton.”

But the Town manager is wary of the threat posed by Paul Peschisolido’s men, who have lost just one of their last six home games.

Turner added: “I think Burton will be well organised and hard to break down. They are a hard-working side.

“We have had them watched a couple of times and so we know what to expect. It is never an easy place to go at the best of times.”

Turner will be without injured midfield duo Craig Disley and Benjamin van den Broek for the game but otherwise has a full squad to choose from.

Meanwhile, talks are still ongoing over the future of Town’s three loan stars.

Full back Mat Sadler and winger Mark Wright’s deals expire after Monday’s match at Crewe while forward Tope Obadejyi’s spell ends on January 8.

Turner added: “I can’t see any reason why Mat Sadler’s loan won’t be extended. From speaking to him and speaking to Watford I think everyone wants it to continue.

“It might be a little bit more difficult with Mark Wright at the moment but talks are ongoing and we will have to see.”

By ALEX JAMES