Shrewsbury Town goal-hero Mark Ellis is eager to keep his place

The 26-year-old put in a towering defensive display during the 2-2 draw against the Saddlers and also opened his goal account with a smart low finish that sent Town into a fifth-minute lead.

Ellis was recalled to the side in place of the suspended Jermaine Grandison and while Grandison is available for this weekend's clash against Mansfield, Ellis hopes he has done enough to keep his place.

He said: "Overall I was happy with my performance.

"I hope I've done enough to keep myself in for next week. I'd like to think I've given the gaffer something to think about. I feel I did all right and I scored as well so we'll see what happens.

"I thought at times I could have done better on the ball but, that said, I haven't played the last seven or eight games and I felt a little bit rusty.

"I could feel it towards the end of the game because no matter how hard you train it's just not the same as playing games. Overall though, I am pleased."

Ellis opened the scoring against Walsall with a smart finish on the turn after the Saddlers had only half cleared a corner.

And the defender admitted it was a great feeling.

He said: "It was brilliant to get my first goal. I thoroughly enjoyed it which you could see in the celebration.

"It has kept my record going of scoring in every season which is pleasing for me on a personal note. But it was a good goal, it just bounced up nicely, I hit it and it flew into the bottom corner.

"It wasn't a bad finish to be honest. I joke in training all the time with the coaches that I've got a striker's finish so I did enjoy seeing that one fly in."

The former Crewe defender also reserved praise for the fans who travelled to the Banks's Stadium for the cup clash.

He added: "The atmosphere was brilliant, they sung their hearts out for us. All credit to them, wherever we go we get great support."