On-song midfielder Matt Richards is hoping loan full back James Hurst will commit his short-term future to Shrewsbury Town.

Hurst’s initial loan from West Bromwich Albion is up for renewal after Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup third round defeat at Middlesbrough.

Amid interest from League One, a decision is expected on whether the 19-year-old right back will remain at the Greenhous Meadow – possibly until the end of the season – in the next 24 hours.

And Richards is keeping his fingers cross that Hurst hasn’t played his final game in a Shrewsbury shirt.

“James has come from a great team on loan and has done brilliantly in every game he has played,” said Richards.

“Hopefully he will stay because he has been excellent – very solid.

“He’s quite inexperienced in terms of age but when he is out there he looks very comfortable.”

While Richards was disappointed Town couldn’t extend their FA Cup run at the Riverside on Saturday, he continued his own rich vein of form with another enterprising display.

“I’m settling in very well,” added the 27-year-old. “When I first came here, I hadn’t really had a pre-season.

“I came in at the end of July and I probably wasn’t fit enough at the time.

“Now I feel great and hopefully I can continue to put in some decent performances.”

Richards felt Town’s display at the Riverside was worthy of at least a replay.

“I thought we were the better team,” added the former Walsall and Ipswich man.

“We had a good go, passed well, created a lot of chances and should have had a penalty.

“To play a team who are doing very well in the Championship and out-play them at times is very encouraging.

“Promotion is what everyone wants and now we have to focus on that and take the way we played into our League form.”