Paul Hurst: I have no favourites at Shrewsbury Town
New Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Hurst has encouraged his squad to stay upbeat as he insists he has no favourites in his starting XI.
Hurst took charge last month and used 20 players in his first three matches – including FA Cup and Checkatrade Trophy outings – as he searched for a perfect formula.
The former Grimsby chief warned ahead of last weekend's crucial League One visit of Oxford that he was facing a test to pick his strongest starting line-up after his squad had impressed in cup successes over Barnet and Middlesbrough.
After featuring fleetingly in the early months of his Salop career, Jim O'Brien was handed a start in a midfield diamond, with Ian Black – after missing out against Barnet with a suspension – left on the bench.
But Hurst wants to see the correct attitude from those that missed out.
"At the minute you look at that and there's an element of players have done their jobs," said the boss, who is unbeaten in his first four Shrewsbury fixtures.
"Ian Black was the one realistically that could've had a grumble at not being in the line-up. I spoke to him about it on the Friday, but I was almost convinced I would be needing him at some point against Oxford and it proved to be the case when he came on.
"He had a great attitude and he took the decision as I wanted him to. Disappointed but accepting of it – he came on and proved his worth to the team."
Black has been competing for central midfield spots against summer arrivals Gary Deegan, Antoni Sarcevic and last year's double Player of the Season Abu Ogogo. And the Scot has previously claimed he was pleased with his consistent performance levels when involved this term.
"It is a squad effort and it's very easy for those involved at the minute to go 'oh he doesn't like me' or 'he's got his favourites'," added Hurst.
"My favourites are the lads that perform for me and the team at that time. Over the course of the season that'll change. One week he'll be my favourite and then he'll not play well and he won't be. But I want us all to be together and hopefully treating people in what I believe is the correct manner and you get repaid for that.
"As of yet we haven't had to have a fallout. That'll come naturally at some point."
