Steve Cotterill: ‘Scallywag’ pals good for Shrewsbury Town

The pair have started all seven of Cotterill’s League One fixtures since he took charge of Salop, either playing in a two or three in the middle of the park.

Their form has helped Shrewsbury climb to 16th in the table and remain undefeated in the league since Cotterill came in.

With four wins amassed also – against teams flying high in the third tier – the pair have helped forge a resurgence at Town.

When asked about Norburn’s performances, Cotterill said: “He’s playing very well.

“It’s hard sometimes to get people to do the horrible stuff, the bread and butter stuff. He does that, he’s a real team player.

“I think it helps having his mate alongside him in Josh Vela, that definitely helps, because the one thing they do is look after each other’s back.”

As keen as Cotterill was to praise Norburn, he was equally eager to speak on the form on Vela.

The 27-year-old became a Shrewsbury player this time last year when he joined on a free transfer from Scottish Premiership side Hibernian on January 20, 2020.

Now, Cotterill believes improved fitness has been key for Vela.

“I’ve sung Ollie’s praises but Josh Vela has been an unsung hero in there as well because I think he’s been outstanding,” he added.

“You look at Josh Vela’s fitness levels over the last month, I’ve said to him they’ve been incredible.

“If you look at Josh Vela now, he looks sharper, like he’s getting around the park, dare I say he looks slimmer? Because I think he does.

“Whether that’s playing on a regular basis and getting about the park like he does with his mate, I don’t know.

“They are a great pairing, great lads. I call them the ‘Scallywags’, Norburn, Shaun Whalley, Josh Vela.

“They don’t always come in together but those three are the three scallywags when they are together.

“There’s always something going on in and around those three, they are good around the group.”