Omar Beckles: Shrewsbury Town facing a real test
Omar Beckles admits surprise package Shrewsbury Town are facing their first big test – but will be well placed if they can come through it.
Town are flying high in League One after a sensational start that has seen them pick up 40 points from 19 games.
But a little dip has seen back-to-back defeats against Bury and Bradford as Town have lost Junior Brown to a long-term injury and skipper Abu Ogogo to suspension.
But Beckles believes coming through a bit of adversity will help their aim of staying in the higher reaches of the table.
“This is a real test for us,” he said. “To see if we can cope and adapt in the sort of moment we’re in now.
“If we can get through this period then you’d like to think we’re looking good for the rest of the season. “Abu’s a big character, a massive character for us. I guess it showed we potentially missed someone like himself not playing.
“We’re hoping that, even though we’ve got Junior missing at the moment, we can still keep it that people are saying that our defensive unit are really good.
“I’ve said before that we’re not going to get too carried away. Moments happen to every single squad – it’s something that we have to face and get on with.”
Beckles is relishing the feedback he receives from the management staff as he targets more improvements to his game.
The 6ft 4in centre-half is enjoying his first run in Paul Hurst’s side since his summer switch from Accrington Stanley.
Hurst was keen to add the 26-year-old former non-league stopper to his defensive ranks and was happy to pay League Two Stanley a six-figure fee to acquire his services.
And Beckles says he ‘craves’ feedback after games, particularly from Town assistant and former central defender Chris Doig, as he strives to improve.
“I’m learning massive amounts and I crave that,” enthused Beckles. “I crave some form of feedback, if I don’t hear anything then I’m drowning in my sorrows and thinking the worst.
“I crave feedback and he gives me that. Doigy pulled me (from training) today and he was telling me about being a bit more lively and sharp because I’ve got this sort of casual thing about me which you lot probably know!
“We love it. I want to grow and be better and better. Getting the feedback is a good recipe.”
