Paul Hurst backs his Shrewsbury Town strikers

And Hurst reiterated his stance on not searching for another striker despite Town netting just once from open play in their last five outings.

Second-placed Town return to League One action with the visit of Doncaster after back-to-back defeats. They have not lost three consecutive games all season.

Ten-goal top scorer Stefan Payne has netted one in his last 12 matches while Carlton Morris, who has impressed with his hold-up play, has not scored in 15 games. “At the minute my focus is elsewhere,” said Hurst when questioned on adding another striker to his ranks.

“If something came along that I felt was too good to turn down, we will look at it.

“It was from the penalty spot, but we scored last weekend. Is not scoring against West Ham a crime? I’d suggest probably not. The lads have done great so far and they’ve certainly got my backing.

“You’d have to ask those lads (about their confidence). There’s a bit of frustration with Stef from the other night.

“Watching him train, he scored a few goals and then he misses one and you can tell he’s annoyed with himself.

“But he’s scored some and I’m sure he will score some moving forward. From my point of view I’ve said ‘don’t be too down on yourselves. Keep doing what you’ve been doing and things will turn for you’.”

Hurst is keen to add wide players to his squad and would also look at another central midfield option. But the Town boss distanced himself from Mansfield midfielder Alex MacDonald and Ross County right-back Jason Naismith – admitting his frustration as agents falsely linking players with the club.

“Those are certainly two names I’ve heard and seen linked,” he said. “I promise you they won’t be arriving at Shrewsbury Town

“We do still want to bring a couple in. I’ve seen us linked with a couple of players. Agents are doing a great job out there linking their players with our football club that I’ve got no interest in whatsoever.

“All I can say to our fans is don’t believe everything you hear.

“I don’t know about flogging them to us but trying to up a fee or wage for their player for a team that is interested.”

Zak Jules was last night set to join Port Vale on loan.

The defender has recently recovered from a hamstring injury.