Shropshire Star

Shrewsbury Town in safe hands with cup ace Craig MacGillivray

Town boss Paul Hurst is confident that ice-cool understudy Craig MacGillivray will not buckle under the pressure of the biggest game of Town's season.

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The shot-stopper will keep goal for Shrewsbury in Sunday's mouthwatering FA Cup clash with West Ham, as on-loan Manchester United man Dean Henderson has again not been granted permission by his parent club.

Hurst insists, while Henderson is desperate to play in the televised tie, he has no qualms with trusting his No.2 to continue the form he has shown while deputising this term.

Harrogate-born MacGillivray, 24, impressed while with Harrogate Town to earn himself a move to Walsall in 2014. He was snapped up by Hurst on a free transfer last summer.

"As it stands it'll be Craig, that's been the case to date and at the minute I've got no reason to believe that it will change," said Hurst.

"It's disappointing for Dean because he's desperate to play but at the same time Craig hasn't let us down at any time – he's come in and done extremely well.

"I'm more than happy. I'm sure he'll have to have a good day if it was to get the result we want."

Youngster Shaun Rowley, 21, is set to take his place on the substitute bench after only being recalled from non-league Tamworth this week.

MacGillivray's opposite number could be former Shrewsbury youngster Joe Hart, if the England international is selected between the sticks by David Moyes as the Iron's cup goalkeeper.

Hurst explained how goalkeeping coach and former Wales international Danny Coyne's support and advice will prove valuable for MacGillivray.

The Town chief anticipates his players feeling the nerves of the big occasion, but insisted that if his high-flying side can control them in the correct manner, that can be an advantage.

"I'll do my little bit but that's where I think Danny Coyne will be absolutely priceless to him," said the boss.

"He's vastly experienced and I'm sure he'll have some words of advice for him.

"I'd expect all the players to have some nerves. As long as they can control them then that's a good thing.

"For Craig, I haven't seen anything fluster him. It's a step up but fingers crossed he can just do what he has been doing when called upon.

"I think we've come away from most games when he's played talking about how well he's done."