Returning goalkeeper Chris Neal today vowed to grasp his chance to nail down the position as Shrewsbury Town’s No 1.

Neal was back in the heat of battle for Saturday’s last gasp 3-2 triumph over Barnet – Town’s sixth successive Greenhous Meadow victory – in one of four changes made by boss Graham Turner.

It was Neal’s first League outing since January and comes in his third season at Town.

“I’m over the moon to be back in,” said the 25-year-old former Preston shot-stopper, who replaced Ben Smith.

“I wanted to prove to the manager I could be back in the team and he has shown some faith in me.

“It has been very hard, both being left out last season around Christmas and not playing at the start of this season.

“I love being at the club but it’s a real blow when you’re not playing.

“I knew I had to knuckle down, work hard and my chance would come and it’s up to me to take it.

“This is massive for me now.”

Neal had looked on course to mark his return to the side with a clean sheet, until a defensive mix-up gave Barnet a lifeline.

The visitors went on to level at 2-2 before Lionel Ainsworth popped up with a dramatic late winner.

“I think someone shouted for Sharpey (Ian Sharps) to leave it and I shouted for him to head it,” added Neal.

“He left it and Shane (Cansdell-Sherriff) got a little touch on it which took it away from me.

“If we want to get promoted, we need to keep clean sheets and at the moment we’re not doing that.

“We did defensive work in training last week and I’m sure that will continue this week.”

Striker Tom Bradshaw played the entire game as Wales under 21s beat Montenegro 1-0 in a UEFA qualifier at Wrexham on Saturday night.

By JAMES GARRISON