Selection headache for Shrewsbury Town

A number of first-team players are closing in on a return to full fitness. while captain Liam Lawrence is available again.

He has served his three-match suspension for his red card against Northampton but midfielder Ryan Woods – one of the stars of the season so far – is a slight doubt after picking up a minor knock at Preston.

Among those hoping to win a place in the squad will be midfielder Ashley Vincent and striker Andy Mangan, who injured himself while celebrating his winning goal against Leicester in the Capital One Cup.

Defender Mark Ellis will be hoping to retain his place after playing in Tuesday night's clash against the Lilywhites.

Mellon said: "We have got Ellis back and I was delighted with him against Preston. I thought he worked his socks off.

"Mark competes really well. We ask him to play it from the back and we give him the responsibility to step out of that back three. He was excellent.

"Lawrence is also back and he brings that experience, that quality. He makes sure everyone around him keeps their standards high.

"Woods picked up a slight injury at Preston but we will see how that goes. He's a young lad and it will take some convincing to tell him he's not available."

Dave McAllister will play in a development game on Tuesday while the Hartlepool clash has come to soon for Aaron Wildig and keeper Mark Halstead, who injured one another in a training ground clash.