Gavin Cowan 'bowled over' by Shrewsbury Town defender's team-first attitude despite limited minutes

The defender came off the bench in the dying embers of Shrewsbury's away win at Salford City, where he made a crucial block to help secure the victory.

“When you come into a situation like I did, the first thing you look for is characters,” Cowan said. 

“When I came into the training ground, I took a bit of a deep breath and realised I was going to have to be really brave out there, really courageous, and really try and convince the players that we've got a chance, because it was looking bleak.

"Create a belief, try and drive a strategy, a play of playing, and a culture. 

“Before he actually came on against Salford, Tom Anderson hadn't played a minute for me. 

“I always say it's important to be a good person before a good manager. The players need to be good people, they need to be good team-mates, we've said that a lot.

“It's very close, because obviously, you need good footballers and they go hand in hand, but Tom Anderson probably stands out to me, in terms of when you're not playing.

“I was a big sulk and I know there's a lot of players who really struggle because it's their livelihood, they live for it and breathe for it. 

“Tom Anderson's shown me that he's got a real desperation to be in the team. However, he's an incredible teammate and he's put the club first. 

“You've got me, Dave and Jamie around, we're constantly talking about the badge and running for the club. 

“I'm absolutely bowled over by the way he's able to be so selfless, something I couldn't do when I was a player. He really stands out.”

Salop visit play-off hopefuls Chesterfield tomorrow looking for a third away win in a row. Town sit 11 points clear of the League Two relegation zone after their winning run was ended by Walsall last weekend.

The Spireites also have just one defeat in their last six matches and beat Colchester United 3-0 midweek.