Paul Hurst backs Shrewsbury Town to come out fighting
Shrewsbury Town chief Paul Hurst wants to see his troops come out fighting at Fleetwood Town tonight.
Hurst tasted defeat for the first time in his Salop tenure at Sheffield United on Saturday and is expecting a show of character as his side hunt for an immediate response.
Town were four games unbeaten – including three wins and clean sheets – before the 2-1 Bramall Lane reversal, but tonight's trip to Highbury Stadium offers another chance for League One points.
Hurst believes he will see the real side of his squads' character as they respond from a defeat.
"We mentioned at half-time on Saturday at Sheffield about how it's very easy when things are going well," said the boss.
"When you're flying and results are coming, or your form's particularly good – it's easy.
"But when something goes against you, whether it's a decision or the scoreline, then that's the point when you need to dig a little bit deeper and again it comes back to character."
Hurst added: "We've all heard the saying about who you would go into the trenches with, that's when you find out.
"In every squad you need a core group of lads that you know you can rely on and know will give you everything no matter the situation.
"Because, whether we like it or not, we know we're not going to win every game of football and people do have off-days."
Abu Ogogo, who was dismissed at Bramall Lane along with Jim O'Brien, begins a three-match ban, while Town remain without injury victims Ethan Jones and Shaun Whalley.
Attackers Jones (knee) and Whalley (thigh) felt their injuries after training last Friday and were sidelined for the trip to Sheffield.
"Ethan's knee hasn't gone back in and that's concerning Chris (Skitt, physio)," added Hurst. "We'll see how that is over the next few days before looking at a fix.
"Shaun isn't too bad. Whether or not Saturday comes too soon we'll see, but he isn't ruled out just yet."
