Shrewsbury Town are hoping key striker Matt Harrold wins his battle against illness for tonight’s big promotion showdown with Port Vale at the Greenhous Meadow.

As midfielder David Davis extended his loan from Wolves until the end of the season, Harrold was hoping to declare himself fit for the Shropshire-Staffordshire derby.

The former Wycombe forward was restricted to a 45 minute appearance in Saturday’s 3-2 thrilling victory over Northampton.

But the 27-year-old’s condition has improved since the weekend and he could recover in time to play a part when fifth in League Two hosts sixth.

“Matt Harrold has had a touch of tonsilitis and we will be assessing him just before the game,” revealed boss Graham Turner.

“He felt better yesterday than he did on Saturday and he was determined enough to start the game at Northampton.

“At half-time he held his hands up to being absolutely shattered and he couldn’t go on.

“But he started the game and got 45 minutes on Saturday and if he feels better, we are hoping he can see the game through.”

Defender Shane Cansadell-Sherriff is expected to recover from a dead leg while Turner is happy to secure the services of Davis for the remainder of the campaign.

“The final formalities of the deal were going through yesterday,” added the Town boss.

“David has done very well for us and I was pleased to see him get on the scoresheet.

“He finished his chance off well at Northampton.

“He has contributed a lot so we are delighted he is staying until the end of the season.”

Victory tonight could see Shrewsbury return to the top three but Turner insists there will be many twists and turns to come – whatever the outcome.

“We won’t win or lose promotion tonight,” he added.

“It’s about picking up enough points between now and the end of the season.”

By JAMES GARRISON