Gary Deegan backs Ivan Toney to go on a goal-den run
Gary Deegan has backed Ivan Toney to add more goals after the loanee broke his duck for Shrewsbury Town.
The Newcastle striker started alongside new recruit Sylvan Ebanks-Blake in attack as boss Micky Mellon opted for a 3-5-2 formation in Saturday's win at Oldham.
Ebanks-Blake was a willing runner and caught the eye with his movement, while his presence in the air was also impressive, with Toney and Louis Dodds buzzing around him.
The former Wolves hero, 30, played just 58 minutes – but he is expected to build up match fitness after barely featuring for the Spireites.
Deegan, who starred in the centre of midfield alongside Abu Ogogo, was pleased with what he saw from Ebanks-Blake, also heaping praise on Toney as the forward scored his first Salop goal.
"I thought they both did well," said the former Coventry man.
"I don't think we get many penalties so it was nice to get one and put it away! Hopefully that gives Ivan the confidence now that he's got off the mark, he can relax and get some more goals for us.
"I'm not really bothered about whether it was a penalty or not, Ivan has picked himself up and he's off the mark.
"Ebanks-Blake gives us a presence up there and he can hold it up and take the pressure off us and he helped us."
Deegan, 28, has started every one of Salop's matches this term – aside from the Checkatrade Trophy visit of Cambridge United, where he came on for the final 33 minutes – despite Mellon's reluctance to play him in the competition.
The Irishman began the season alongside fellow summer recruit Antoni Sarcevic in the middle of midfield, while he has also been pitched alongside Ogogo and Ian Black.
The summer signing from Southend added: "Yes it's good (to be playing). It's always nice to play games, that's what I came here to do. I want to play a big part."
