Gareth Ainsworth discusses the possibility of extending Jamal Blackman's contract

The former Burton keeper became Ainsworth's first signing as Shrewsbury boss when he brought him in just before Christmas. 

Blackman has now started five games for Shrewsbury since his arrival, and he kept a clean sheet against Lincoln on Boxing Day - that was Salop's second of the season. 

The keeper only signed a short-term deal in Shropshire, and Ainsworth said they will be at exploring their options when it is getting close to expiring. 

He said: "I think he's settled the ship down a little bit, and he's definitely one that we'll be looking at exploring his contract options as he comes towards the end of January.

"That will be something we'll be looking at to see where Jamal fits in."

Since the new keeper came in, Salop have conceded just five goals in their five league games. 

That is a marked improvement for Salop, who have conceded the second most goals in the League One table with 44 - only Peterborough United have conceded more with 46. 

And the boss says there are still plenty of ways in which the Salop keeper can improve with Ainsworth saying he is working hard with goalkeeping coach Brian Jensen. 

"I think Jamal has made a difference," the head coach said. 

"He has. He's nowhere near as good as he can be, which is exciting for me. He can definitely improve, Jamal.

"You know, he's training hard with Brian Jensen. There was sort of no secret that we wanted him to be fitter. Get trimmer, and make sure he's the agile Jamal that I remember a long time ago. 

"But his positioning, the way he comes for things, his high line when the defence are pushing high and the balls are coming over the top, I think he's been much needed.

"I'm not saying anything against the other two kids, because I think they've done really well. 

"But they were, again, chucked into this relegation situation, which is very difficult sometimes for youngsters to handle. And Jamal, with his experience has come in."

Salop have a big match against their arch-rivals Wrexham to prepare for next Thursday. 

Town will be seeking revenge for the last two meetings between the clubs when the Welsh side have come out on top.