Shrewsbury Town can handle the pressure – Paul Hurst

With about a third of the League One season remaining, Hurst acknowledges that Town will have to deal with expectation in a tussle for the top two spots.

The boss shared his pride at how his side continue to dig in and grind out results deep into a memorable campaign.

Town welcome Plymouth, who last week defeated Blackburn, to Montgomery Waters Meadow tomorrow.

Hurst said: “Pressure starts coming into it. How do players react to that? How do we handle that as a group? Staff included.

“At this moment in time I’d back my players to handle the pressure. Have we been in the position? Not particularly, or not much. But at the same time we’ve been here (at the top) for a little while now. Games are ‘more important’ but they’re big games.

“I’ve been saying that for a little while to them now. Every game is a big game because of the position we find ourselves in.”

Town aim to keep their campaign on track with another win against in-form Plymouth.

Hurst, who has no fresh injury concerns to contend with, marvelled at his players’ character as last-gasp shows and victories by the odd goal have them fighting it out among the League One big-hitters.

“I think it’s both mental and physical,” Hurst said: “Physically we’re good for the league we’re in and that always gives you a chance.

“Then, through success and the results they have secured, they have more confidence and belief.

“There is a stubbornness to the side, a resilience that – touch wood – teams have so far found it difficult to shake us off.”

He added: “I think it can be damaging for your opponent as well, depending where they are mentally.

“Because they think that ‘they’re not going to go away’. I’m proud that we’ve got a team and a group of players that have got that characteristic.”