Skipper Ian Sharps today paid tribute to Shrewsbury Town’s ‘pocket rocket’ Jon Taylor, declaring: “He’s an example to all youngsters.”

Diminutive winger Taylor popped up with one of the most important goals in Town’s season on Saturday, scoring the late winner in a thrilling 3-2 triumph at Northampton.

It took the 18-year-old’s tally to five goals in seven starts and Sharps is full of praise for the impact made by his 5ft 6in team-mate.

“Jon’s effort is unbelievable and he must be a horrible lad to play against,” said Sharps.

“He just runs and runs and his energy levels are brilliant. He gets what he deserves and I can’t praise the lad enough.

“It shows all youngsters that if you work hard, you will get somewhere in football.”

Sharps was delighted with Town’s response to twice falling behind at Sixfields, as they bounced back in style from the midweek 3-0 home defeat against Bury to remain in contention for automatic promotion.

But he has warned against getting carried away ahead of tomorrow’s big Shropshire-Staffordshire derby against Port Vale at the Greenhous Meadow.

“I thought the lads showed great character,” added the skipper, who impressed on his return from a one-match suspension.

“After the Bury game and then going 1-0 down early on at Northampton, it would have been easy for heads to go down with them having a new manager and a good atmosphere in the ground.

“It was a great win and we were elated on Saturday night .

“But, just as we don’t get too defeatist when we get beat, we know we have to keep a level head now and get our minds back on a big game tomorrow night.”

Boss Graham Turner will be hoping striker Matt Harrold overcomes the illness which restricted him to a 45-minute appearance against Northampton to be available for the Vale clash.

By JAMES GARRISON