George Lloyd determined to keep Shrewsbury Town shirt after first goal

Lloyd netted his first goal of the season to secure a point at Crewe Alexandra on Saturday and help Town extend their unbeaten run to two games.

After a difficult opening five matches of the League Two season, Salop have picked up some positive results, and Lloyd is encouraged by the direction they are heading in.

Reflecting on the start to the season, he said: “It’s been mixed if we are honest. We have had good performances, we have had bad ones.

“It has been a mixed start to the season, but overall it has been quite positive. We have come away from Tranmere and today (Crewe) thinking we should have got three points. The table could look completely different.

“But over 46 games, stuff like that pays you back. If you keep putting in performances then you will get to where you want to be.

“It’s moving in the right direction and it’s something we have got to keep going on.

“We have got to be ruthless, we have got to keep our attitude really high, keep working realty hard in training and make sure we are ready for games.

“It’s a tough old season, 46 games plus all of the cups, it’s long and you have just always got to be ready.”

Lloyd has started Town’s last three league games after appearing as a substitute in the three before that, and the 26-year-old is determined to keep his place in the side.

He added: “It’s disappointing to come out of the starting XI. I felt like I had a good pre-season under my belt.

“I found myself out of the starting XI, but I still have a job to do when I am coming off the bench, when I am on it, keeping boys alert and ready.

“I have managed to find myself back in the team. I am just trying to keep my shirt now.”