Anthony Scully lifts lid on Gavin Cowan’s ‘relentless’ standards at Shrewsbury Town

But despite opening up a healthy gap to the bottom two, Scully says the new manager has issued firm warnings against complacency.

“It comes from the gaffer, the way he's been,” the 26-year-old said.

“He's very relentless in the fact that, don't be thinking we're the best team there because we've won a few games. 

“We still have to continue and finish the season strong. And then if we do that, that will take care of the table itself. 

“I can't see anything like that happening with the manager with how he is on us.”

Scully started Cowan’s first five matches in charge before suffering a hamstring injury during their third consecutive win of the streak, against Notts County. He returned to action against Chesterfield after missing three games.

The Irishman has praised Cowan’s approach and attention to detail.

He added: “I've loved it. When the gaffer came in, I played every game before the injury. It's a completely different structure off the ball, the way we are. 

“It's the detail in that structure that he's given us, which I think you can see in the results and the performances that we've put on the grass."

Scully has featured in the attacking midfield role - the number 10 position behind the strikers - under Cowan, competing with Tommy McDermott for the spot.

Cowan admits the team’s upturn has given him selection headaches, and Scully is embracing the competition for a starting place.

“Throughout your football career, there's always competition for places,” he said.

“When people get injured, players come in, players lose form. So it's something that you have to relish otherwise, if you don't, you'll get swallowed up and you won't play. 

“It's part and parcel of football. And the lads that have come in, you've seen what the results have been like, they've done really well.”