Midfield problems causing headaches for Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Hurst

If Hurst was scratching his head while organising a team to face AFC Wimbledon last weekend, then the boss faces migraines while planning Good Friday’s trip to Rochdale.

In truth, the Town boss has had it relatively fortunate with injuries this season – Shrewsbury were probably due a bit of bad luck.

Hurst labelled it an amazing scenario. Inside he will be cursing Lady Luck. In the space of three matches, Shrewsbury have gone from the smooth-sailing position of four central midfielders to having just one available.

The boss may begin to regret that mirror he smashed or the ladder he walked underneath.

In all seriousness, there is a concern that this plague of absentees in the middle of the park could derail what promises to be a thrilling promotion run-in.

There was almost a sense of bewilderment around Montgomery Waters Meadow last Saturday as, already without Abu Ogogo and Ben Godfrey for a handful of games, Bryn Morris trudged off following two yellow cards late on in the victory over the Dons.

Shrewsbury have leapt over so many hurdles this season – including winning last weekend without two of their midfield stalwarts – that you would back the League One table-toppers to overcome another.

Going by Hurst’s side’s record this season, there’s no reason to suspect they can’t overcome the odds once again.

You feel for Morris, who has spent much of the season kicking his heels and waiting for a shot, as this run of games felt like his chance.

Indeed, if he had not picked up a pre-season knock that required surgery, Morris could have been a regular himself.

But you also feel for Hurst, whose fairly small squad is now being not just stretched to its limit – but plugged with square pegs in round holes.

That is nothing against any squad members. But a number are now likely to be forced to play in unfamiliar positions. Yet the character within the squad Hurst has at his disposal will see this as just another test for them to overcome. Roll up their sleeves and do a job for the manager, fans and club.

What options does Hurst for the trip to Spotland?

If he maintains the 4-4-2 system he introduced against the Dons then the most likely option is to shuffle Omar Beckles – a centre-half by trade but shining at left-back – over to the opposite flank on the right side of defence.

That would then free up Luke Hendrie to take a central midfield role.

Hardly ideal, but Beckles arrived with the reputation of being able to play along the back four and Hendrie is meant to be comfortable in defensive midfield.

Hendrie has endured a couple of shaky moments in recent games and such a drastic switch of position may not prove ideal – but needs must.

If Hurst does not – understandably – want to tinker with his defence then the other midfield option would be to bring somebody in from the cold.

Options are limited. Sam Jones plays centrally but is known as a more offensive-minded midfielder. Playing him next to Jon Nolan would be a risk. Ditto Arthur Gnahoua, who has played centrally in the Checkatrade Trophy.

What Hurst would give for Norwich’s Ebou Adams, who spent a few months with the club – barely featuring – before Christmas.

You get the feeling that this determined and resilient Shrewsbury squad will not be beaten by a mere lack of numbers.

But if the boss was tested tactically last time out then he faces a bigger challenge still this time around.

As the pressure builds and the options lessen, this is where Town’s staff and squad will earn their corn.