Michael Appleton urges Shrewsbury Town to seize chance despite "underdog" status at MK Dons

However, Salop head to Milton Keynes in confident mood after ending an eight-game winless run with a vital victory over Harrogate Town last weekend.

Speaking after the win, which lifted Town four points clear of the relegation zone, Appleton acknowledged the scale of the task ahead but believes his side can climb the table quickly.

He said: "We've got two opportunities now to take points away from home and we've just got to make sure that we take them opportunities. Two, very, very tough teams who are doing well. 

"We know we're going to be massive underdogs going into both games, but a result and a performance like this gives us confidence going into that game. 

"We're focused on what we know we need to do and if we go and hit and pick up some of the points that I know we're capable of, then we're more than capable of doing that."

When the sides met in September, MK Dons struck after just three minutes and doubled their lead before half-time on their way to a 2-1 victory. Chuks Aneke was on the scoresheet that day and has since left Shrewsbury by mutual consent earlier this week.

Appleton has now had another full week on the training ground with his new recruits, several of whom impressed against Harrogate and will be eager to build on their strong starts.

Iwan Morgan was a constant thorn in Harrogate's side, and it was difficult to tell it was the teenager's first appearance on the left flank. Appleton will again hope the Brentford loanee can drive at his opponents and exploit any space.

After an encouraging home debut, Morgan is determined to showcase more of his ability and get his name on the scoresheet.

"I just want to keep going now, keep building this momentum I have and not taking my foot off the gas," he said. 

"It's probably going to be a completely different game to what we played today but we're all up for the challenge and we're all ready to go and put on a big game and hopefully come away with a big three points."

Salop have managed just one league victory on the road so far this season and will be looking to avoid a third consecutive away defeat. MK Dons, meanwhile, swept aside Accrington Stanley last weekend.

Shrewsbury will take encouragement from their last visit to Milton Keynes in January 2023, when they claimed a narrow 1-0 win.

Appleton has repeatedly stressed the importance of scoring the first goal away from home, something that has proved crucial in Town's victories this season. That was again evident against Harrogate, where resilient defending - including a standout display from Will Boyle - helped see the game out.

Appleton also confirmed that Tom Sang and Anthony Scully have returned to pitch-based training, with potential returns from injury providing a significant boost and increasing competition for places.

After switching to a 4-4-2 formation last weekend, it remains to be seen whether Appleton sticks with the system or reverts to a back three with wing-backs.

Predicted Shrewsbury Town XI (4-4-2): Brook; Clucas, Boyle, Hoole, Freeman; Morgan, Perry, Ruffels, Kabia, Marquis, Ogunsuyi

Subs: Cox, Benning, Anderson, England, Sang, McDermott, Lloyd

MK Dons (3-5-2): MacGillivray; Offord, Nelson, Sanders; Mellish, Gilbey, Matete, kelly, Jones; Collins, Patterson 

Big match prediction: Draw