Shrewsbury Town ace Jermaine Grandison tipped for the top

Boss Graham Turner today outlined the case for Shrewsbury Town's defence as he saluted the impact of Jermaine Grandison and backed Shane Cansdell-Sherriff to return to his pre-injury form.

The displays of former Coventry City youngster Grandison, whose stock rose further with a commanding second-half display in the victory against Crawley on Monday – have caught the eye of Turner.

And the Town chief believes the 21-year-old, who has also filled the right-back berth this term, possesses all the qualities to enjoy a big future.

"Jermaine's playing very well as a central defender," said Turner.

"He can play at full-back and do a good job there but I think he is doing extremely well as a central defender at the moment and has formed quite a good partnership with Ian Sharps.

"He has got great attributes. He's got physical presence, he's got pace, he can head the ball and is comfortable on the ball.

"He has got all the attributes to go on and be an outstanding central defender if that's where he chooses to play."

Meanwhile, Turner admitted sympathy for Cansdell-Sherriff after his 11th hour call-up against Crawley because Grandison was snarled up in traffic on the M6.

It was the 29-year-old Australian's first outing for five weeks after suffering shoulder damage against Southend on January 21 and he was replaced by Grandison at half-time.

"I do feel a little bit for Shane," added Turner.

"He was thrown in at the deep end. We know what Shane can do and I'm confident he will be back to his best very shortly."

Left-back Joe Jacobson has emerged as a slight doubt for Saturday's trip to Crewe because of a continuing groin niggle which threatened his participation against Crawley.

Striker Tom Bradshaw, who has not made a Town first-team appearance since New Year's Eve, played 21 minutes as a substitute in Wales Under-21s 4-0 victory over Andorra at Wrexham.

See also:

• Shrewsbury Town backed by huge travelling army

• Shrewsbury Town drive way into top three