Ian Sharps backs Shrewsbury Town right-backs to fill void

Captain Ian Sharps has backed Shrewsbury Town's 'in-house' right-backs to fill the void created by the departure of loanee James Hurst.

Jermaine Grandison and Carl Regan are set to go head-to-head for the right to replace Hurst when Town resume League Two battle against Gillingham on Saturday.

Hurst spent seven weeks at the Greenhous Meadow on a temporary move from West Bromwich Albion but has elected to spend the rest of the campaign at League One basement boys Chesterfield.

And Sharps is confident Town have sufficient options to cope with the departure of the England under-20 ace.

"I thought James did well in his time here but he has chosen to do something else and that's fair enough," said the Town skipper.

"We move on. It's an opportunity for other players and Jermaine and Carl have both done really well when they have had their chance.

"We have always said we have got good strength in depth throughout the squad and this is another chance to prove it."

After last week's FA Cup third round defeat at Middlesbrough, Sharps welcomes the return to League Two action.

Just one victory in their last five League games hasseen Town slip seven points off the automatic promotion pace.

But, with just under half of the campaign still to go, Sharps believes his side remain capable of mounting a sustained charge for the top three.

"Last year, Chesterfield got away from us a little bit and even though we had a good end to the season, we were too far behind to catch up," added the 31-year-old.

"You can claw seven points back quickly and that's our target because we have got some big games coming up.

"I think we just need to improve by a few extra per cent in both penalty boxes and that would make a big difference."

Loan midfielder Aaron Wildig was on target as Shrewsbury suffered a 4-1 defeat in a behind closed doors reserve friendly at Wrexham.

See also:

• Graham Turner backs Shrewsbury Town strikers

• James Wallace snub a blow to Shrewsbury Town

• Middlesbrough boss hails Shrewsbury Town Cup fight