“Right in contention” - Gavin Cowan effect leaves Tom Sang dreaming

Cowan has overseen a stunning revival, steering Salop clear of danger and securing League Two safety. That progress continued with a sixth clean sheet of his tenure at Crawley Town.

The Shrewsbury boss has hailed midfielder Sang as one of Town’s standout performers since his arrival - and the 26-year-old is optimistic about what lies ahead under his management.

Asked if he is excited for the future, Sang said: “100 per cent.

“If we can put results together like we have done at the end of the season, you just don't know - you'll be right in contention if we keep this up.

“We'll just have a good pre-season and hit the ground running, hopefully.”

He added: “The staff have come in and set the tone really high, set the bar.

“When we've had those five wins (in a row), nothing changed.

“It's good for the lads to know where you need to be to be successful and where you need to be to get on the team.

“All our lads as well, fair play, have really bought into it. You can see that in the results.”

Sang returned from a hamstring injury at Crawley, playing the entire second half. The midfielder had missed four matches with the problem.

The 26-year-old joined Town from Port Vale last summer, having earned promotion to League One, and signed a two-year deal.

Reflecting on his time at the club, Sang said: “The start was brutal, to be honest, it was really tough.

“For someone like myself, I've got ambition to go on and it's disappointing to have another season where you don't go up.

“But I think since the gaffer's come in, it's been class for us. Having set plans every single day and trying to win constantly. It's been a really enjoyable end, so, positive.”

Sang, who hails from Liverpool, came through the youth ranks at Manchester United, where he played under current Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna. He was also called up to first-team training by Jose Mourinho.