We'll be right for the play-offs, insists Shrewsbury Town's Craig MacGillivray
Keeper Craig MacGillivray has urged his Shrewsbury team-mates to not let let the play-off occasion pass them by.
The Town shot-stopper experienced defeat in the League One play-offs with former club Walsall two seasons ago. The Saddlers exited to Barnsley in the two-legged semi-final stage.
MacGillivray was on the bench as Walsall fell short of a Wembley final, but is sure Paul Hurst’s squad have the correct mentality to be successful.
Walsall, unlike Town, missed out on a top-two spot on the final day of their regular campaign and MacGillivray admitted his former team-mates went into the play-offs disappointed.
“It wasn’t the best experience ever,” admitted MacGillivray, who has impressed while deputising for Dean Henderson this season.
“But I’m sure this group of lads will have their heads screwed on for the play-off games.
“It was the last game of the season, we needed Burton to lose against Doncaster, they drew to go up (in second). We had to overturn a five goal difference, which we did.
“We went into the play-offs with a little bit of disappointment and we didn’t really perform in the play-offs.
“That’s one thing here – that we don’t let is pass us by, we need to make sure we hit the ground running in that first game.”
The 25-year-old has made 14 appearances for Town this season and is one member of the squad who hopes he has done enough to catch Hurst’s eye.
The Shrewsbury boss has offered his squad opportunities to impress in the last three games, while giving his first-team stars a breather.
MacGillivray shone during last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Blackpool while keeping his side level with the Seasiders. The goalkeeper insists Town players are still ready to give Hurst some late headaches.
“We’ve got another chance to play to get in the swing of things.” he continued. “It’s nice that the gaffer’s giving other people a chance.
“It keeps people on their toes again. No-one’s taking things for granted and when you get your opportunity you need to give yourself the best chance of taking over someone.
“The gaffer’s always said to us that it’s not nailed on, the team’s not nailed on. If you’re better than someone else in these last couple of games then give me a headache.”
