Adam El-Abd: Good times ahead for Shrewsbury

The Salop captain has been hugely encouraged by what he has seen so far this season and believes Shrewsbury have the potential for a memorable campaign.

The Egyptian international, who enjoyed a six-month loan spell two seasons ago at tomorrow's hosts Bury, is relishing providing the Town supporters with the success they deserve.

"I really believe that we're on to something," said El-Abd.

"We'll keep working and getting better. We've been very competitive in every single game and very unfortunate in some of the games.

"I'm really confident and really positive with what we can do here this year.

"I am enjoying the bond in the dressing room. There's a really good atmosphere in there.

"We're growing, I feel it, and the performances are reflecting that."

The 31-year-old summer capture from Bristol City understands that Town fans endured a difficult time last season.

The former Brighton stalwart, who netted Town's winner against Chesterfield earlier this season, anticipates repaying the supporters' positivity.

He added: "It seems like there's a really good group of fans here.

"They had to go through a really tough time last year with just avoiding relegation.

"This year they've turned up and they've been positive.

"We're striving to give them success and I'm sure with the more success, the more they'll cheer."

Mellon's charges are boosted ahead of a second consecutive trip to the north-west, as both AJ Leitch-Smith and Jim O'Brien (groin) have returned to full training.

Leitch-Smith's hamstring has been proving an irritant for much of the season, while O'Brien has not started since August 20.

But ball-winner Ian Black (hamstring) is likely to be out with a knock he picked up last week at Oldham.