Shropshire Star

Paul Hurst offers his Shrewsbury Town side a refresher ahead of Bury visit

Paul Hurst hopes a two-day break can rejuvenate his Shrewsbury players in a bid to return to top form.

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Town’s small squad have played 55 games in an exhausting campaign that has seen them compete on three fronts beyond Christmas.

With injuries and suspension playing their part in Tuesday night’s defeat in the must-win clash against Charlton, Hurst opted to give his squad Thursday off – as well as the usual Wednesday following a midweek clash.

If Shrewsbury make this season’s League One play-off final they will have played 62 games this season.

Abu Ogogo has joined Junior Brown on the sidelines for the remainder of the season, while winger Shaun Whalley and defender Toto Nsiala limped out of the Charlton defeat. Neither knock is thought to be serious.

Forward Stefan Payne injured his groin in the warm-up against the Addicks and remained on the bench.

Town have Omar Beckles available after he served a one-game suspension.

Hurst wants some of his players to take the mantle by making the difference in the decisive moment in ending Town’s three-game barren run in front of goal, starting against already-relegated Bury tomorrow.

“When the ball was wide, we put some balls or attempted to put them in the box and I certainly remember at least one go out of play,” said the boss on the disappointment in the final third against Charlton.

“A free-kick in the second half misses everyone out. I remember three (crosses) straight away putting the ball in the box and it gets blocked.

“There was one in the first half with Shaun – he had a little touch and beat his man and fired a ball in and we’re stood watching.

“We’ve got to be willing to make that run in. It might be the run that takes the defender out of the equation for someone else to come in.

“I’m hoping we are saving some goals up for another time when we need it.”