Boss Graham Turner has urged the character of his Shrewsbury Town side to come to the fore in tomorrow’s big League Two trip to Gillingham.

Both sides were amongst the favourites for promotion, with the Gills only suffering their first defeat of the season at Rotherham last weekend.

And Turner knows a repeat of the 2009 play-off final will represent a stiff challenge for his side, despite their encouraging form of late.

“It’s an awkward place to go,” said Turner. “It’s a very small playing surface and they make life difficult and get in your faces.

“Gillingham won’t be too far away and you need to show character.

“But we are starting to take shape. We are getting the win,s but the style of play, the pace and mobility is also pleasing.

“I see it gradually improving and the understanding between groups of players is getting better.”

Town’s attacking options are depleted tomorrow with Tom Bradshaw and James Collins both away on international duty – with Wales and Republic of Ireland under 21s respectively.

That leaves only Marvin Morgan and Terry Gornell as recognised strikers for the trip to Priestfield.

“It’s a difficult situation,” admitted Turner. “You are pleased for the lads getting called up but it does create a few problems.

“As it happens, we have got Terry and Marvin. Although they both have little niggles, they will be fit to start – but it would have been nice to have those alternatives.”

After making five changes for the midweek Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat at Walsall, it is likely Turner will revert to the starting XI which defeated Swindon in the last League Two outing last Saturday.

Young winger Jon Taylor continues to make good progress from his illness and has travelled to Kent, but right back Carl Regan remains sidelined with a muscle problem.

By JAMES GARRISON