Paul Hurst calling for Shrewsbury Town effort in crunch games
Paul Hurst has called for four major efforts from his Shrewsbury Town squad to beat the drop in League One ahead of two big games over Easter.
Last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Rochdale, a timely first win in seven games, lifted Town a point clear of the relegation zone and up to 19th.
But it remains desperately tight at the wrong end of the table as Town – boosted by influential midfielder Abu Ogogo agreeing a one-year contract extension with the club, and returning to full training – prepare for a vital double-header.
Town host mid-table Walsall at Greenhous Meadow tomorrow before travelling to Northampton on Monday.
They will then host Southend on April 22 before a final day trip to Oxford on April 30.
Boss Hurst said: “On the back of getting a positive result ourselves last Saturday, we go into it hopefully with a little bit more confidence, but still with our feet very much on the ground.
“Saturday has been and gone and we are on to that next game.
“I’ve said four major efforts are required and, against a local rival, I guess everything’s there for us to try and raise our game even further if possible and get the result that ourselves and the fans would love.”
Walsall, who beat Town 3-2 earlier in the season, are 14th in the table.
Hurst added: “For Walsall, local pride, I’m sure, will kick in. They’ll want to finish as high up the table as possible.
“For us, it’s clear why we need the points and we’ll try and do everything possible to get them.”
Meanwhile, physio Chris Skitt hailed Ogogo’s ‘phenomenal’ progress as the midfielder fights back from a knee injury sustained in February.
He said: “He’s back in full training so he’s done well. He has been working extremely hard in the gym and we’ve had the go-ahead from the surgeon to step him up.
“He has been quite phenomenal really, the recovery he’s had.”
Meanwhile, Joe Riley (hip) was due to return to training today and Tyler Roberts (hamstring) is being treated at parent club West Bromwich Albion.
