Loan ranger Niall Canavan today set his sights on playing a part in Shrewsbury Town’s promotion push – as striker James Collins put club before country.

As reported in later editions of yesterday’s Shropshire Star, 19-year-old Scunthorpe defender Canavan emerged as a target for Town boss Graham Turner and a loan deal until the end of the season has been agreed.

And Canavan, who has 20 appearances and two goals to his name for his parent club, is delighted to have the chance to gain more experience.

“When I found out Shrewsbury were interested I spoke to my family and decided it was a great move,” said Canavan.

“It’s my first loan so it’s all a bit new to me. I’ve come here with the aim of playing games so it’s up to me to show what I can do and get a place the team.”

Canavan will have to wait to be involved with Shrewsbury for the first time after he received a late call up yesterday afternoon to be part of Republic of Ireland’s under 21 friendly in Portugal on Friday night.

That rules him out of Saturday’s trip to Bradford but Collins will be available after being withdrawn from the same squad.

That was agreed following a conversation between Turner and Ireland’s under 21 boss Noel King.

“It is always an honour to play for your country but hopefully there will be more chances to come for me on that front,” said Collins, whose mother is Irish.

“We are all totally committed to getting promotion and I’m really looking forward to Saturday’s game.”

Victories for Torquay and Stevenage over Cheltenham and Burton respectively saw Shrewsbury drop to sixth in League Two last night, although Turner’s men have a game in hand on both.

Meanwhile, Town’s Greenhous Meadow pitch has been named amongst the top three in League Two based on marks awarded by referees and judges.

And it will host another game tonight when the RAF and Navy go head-to-head in a clash of the services. Kick-off is 7.30pm, admission free.

• The Super Blues will stage An Evening with Graham Turner in the Arthur Rowley Lounge at 7pm tomorrow night. It is open to Super Blues members only.

By JAMES GARRISON