Shrewsbury Town ordered to toughen up away from home

Turner's troops, who return to League One action after a two-week break, have picked up just three points out of 30 away from the Greenhous Meadow this season.

Fitness has preyed heavily on Turner's mind during the enforced break after he put his squad under the supervision of RAF Shawbury's physical training instructors. The manager hopes the day, as well as further physical-based work, will toughen his players' mental outlook.

"The players have got to acquire a winning mentality away from home," he said.

"We've lost eight points in the last five minutes of matches, which if we'd got might have left us looking at a play-off situation.

"They've got to have that toughness to see games through. So they carried and pulled stretchers and Land Rovers on seven-mile runs at Shawbury.

"That was mentally tough and it should condition them to go into the games.

"Their fitness levels have gone up as we've not had to worry about hitting a peak for a match.

"The break looks like it's done them good, but the proof will be in the performance at Crawley."

Turner is examining his defensive options while he waits to see whether Cameron Gayle will be fit for tomorrow's clash.

The 20-year-old defender returned to parent club West Brom for treatment after a groin problem flared up and the youngster remains touch-and-go for the Broadfield Stadium clash.

Connor Goldson could figure in a revamped back four if Gayle, who made his senior debut at Oldham a fortnight ago, is ruled out.

But Turner has good news on another of his loanees, Luke Rodgers, who has returned to training after recovering from an ankle injury.

And he will be further boosted by the inclusion of Luke Summerfield, although the midfielder has been nursing the start of a hernia problem.

"Cameron is looking the most unlikely of the three," added the Town boss.

"Luke Summerfield will play with some pain. And Luke Rodgers looks like he will be fit. If we have some luck it could be all three are available."