Goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell ready to take Shrewsbury Town chance

The goalkeeper is set to be handed his first chance since joining on loan from Derby in January after No.1 Steve Arnold was ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.

Mitchell, 24, from Hartlepool, came to Town for first-team experience but has been kicking his heels on the bench with fellow shot-stopper Reice Charles-Cook.

But Arnold limped out of last week’s defeat to Portsmouth, with scans detailing the severity of the injury, leaving former Newcastle United junior Mitchell a chance to catch the eye for Sam Ricketts’ men, beginning in the six-pointer at Southend tomorrow.

“It’s not the way you want to get in the team, you want to get there on merit,” admitted Mitchell, who played 15 matches on loan at Town’s drop zone rivals Oxford at the beginning of the season.

“Arnie’s been brilliant recently, he’s made some top, top saves. Hopefully I can get in the team and continue that.

“It’s a scenario I’m ready for, I’ve been working on the training pitch every day looking for that opportunity and now that it’s come I’ve got to take it.

“It’s not in my mind to become a hero. It’s a team game, I just want to help the team. As a group we’re committed enough with enough quality to survive.”

While dealing with the blow of losing Arnold, who has played 32 times for Town this season, Ricketts has had to contend with injuries to key players James Bolton (foot), Ollie Norburn (Achilles) and Fejiri Okenabirhie (knee) this week. The trio will be assessed before Town travel today.

Ricketts applauded Mitchell’s attitude in patiently waiting for his chance to impress.

The boss said: “Mitch has a bright future. He’s got a really good attitude, has come in with a desire to work hard.”