Experienced midfielder Kevin McIntyre has backed Shrewsbury Town to display the strength of character to emerge from their New Year wobble.

Saturday’s 3-1 home defeat to Morecambe was Town’s second Greenhous Meadow reverse inside a week and has left them with just one win in their last eight outings – seven of which have been in the League.

And, on the day loan winger Tope Obadeyi returned to Bolton after a two-and-a-half month stay, McIntyre admitted the Town players must now respond.

“From the first whistle, we didn’t get going at all and it just wasn’t good enough,” said the 33-year-old.

“We got off to a bad start but the overall performance was poor.

“That goes for me and I’m sure a few of the lads would say themselves they weren’t up to their best.

“Come Saturday at Barnet – whoever plays – we have to work hard, roll our sleeves up and start getting on a winning run again.

“We are still not in a bad position and it’s the same players now that started the season playing really well.

“It’s a test of character and as professionals we have to go out there and do the right things and I’m sure the lads will respond well.”

Turner was disappointed his side conceded three times in the opening 50 minutes. “We maybe have to be honest with ourselves — there are obvious shortcomings and we are an easy side to play against,” said the Town boss. “Teams against us are getting hold of the ball and are passing it with some degree of precision because we are not doing our jobs right defensively.”

Meanwhile, Obadeyi returned to the Reebok Stadium today after a spell which saw him make eight starts and two substitute appearances.

“We thank Tope for his work and contribution during his time with us,” added Turner, who confirmed efforts to strengthen the squad were continuing.

Captain Ian Sharps received five stitches in a mouth wound on Saturday.

He also lost teeth and suffered damage to a crown and will be assessed by a dentist.

By JAMES GARRISON