Mat Sadler makes his case for the Shrewsbury defence

Sadler and centre-half partner Toto Nsiala have been two of the mainstays in Paul Hurst’s side this season as Town enjoy the joint-second best defensive record in League One.

The duo have played alongside one another since Nsiala’s January move from League Two Hartlepool.

And Sadler hailed the Congolese’s development. “We’ve all seen how much he’s grown in stature in his position just from the time he’s been with us,” he said.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of playing alongside Totes, as I did with Omar (Beckles) last week against West Brom.

“Centre-half wise there’s some good options for the manager and I’m just enjoying playing with both of them.”

While Town bought Omar Beckles as another central defensive option in the summer, Hurst has regularly stated that it is difficult to break up a winning combination.

“For me in terms of being a centre-half this is the most settled I’ve felt,” added Sadler. “You want to get your centre-back pairings – and your back four – nailed down as consistent as possible.

“With those little intricacies that can happen, I’ll read what Toto does and he might read what I do.

“The more you play together the more you may read and understand what they’re going to do.

“It’s always good to get that relationship and I’ve done OK so far.”