Ian Sharps shocked to be only Town player in team of year

Captain Ian Sharps admits he was shocked to be the only Shrewsbury Town player in the League Two team of the year - but insists promotion is the only thing that matters.

For the third straight year – one with Rotherham and two with Shrewsbury – Sharps was honoured by his peers after being named in the PFA representative team.

Despite the 15 goals of leading scorer James Collins and consistent seasons for, amongst others, Matt Richards, Joe Jacobson and Shane Cansdell-Sherriff, no other Town player was included in the side.

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Town's promotion rivals were all well represented with Torquay having four players selected and leaders Swindon and fourth placed Crawley two each.

And Sharps admitted he was taken aback not to have blue-and-amber company in the showcase team.

The 31-year-old defender, attended Sunday's night awards dinner with Chris Neal, James Collins, Terry Gornell and Richards.

He said: "I think a lot of lads can count themselves very unfortunate not to be included.

"There are a long list of our players who deserve their place in there and who have been consistent all season.

"It's a nice accolade but I'm sure everyone would prefer a promotion on the CV."

Sharps has now begun his preparations for Saturday's potential promotion clincher against Dagenham.

A home victory would be enough to spark the biggest party in Town's recent history while there are also a handful of permutations where Shrewsbury could fail to see off the Daggers yet could still be celebrating this weekend.

But Sharps is not considering those options and is simply focussed on trying to gain three points to put the issue beyond doubt.

"We were close to doing it at Accrington on Saturday but it didn't quite happen," added the former Tranmere man who is chasing his first promotion.

"It's going to be a great atmosphere on Saturday with a big crowd and all we are concentrating on is trying to win the game.

"A point might be enough but we want to make sure of it on Saturday so we can celebrate as a club as a whole.

"I thought we looked a bit jaded near the end at Accrington so it's good we haven't got a midweek game and we can just get ready for Saturday.

Despite being four points adrift of leaders Swindon with just two games remaining, Sharps has not given up hope of making a late charge for the title.

"First things first, we want to make sure we get promoted," added the Scouser.

"If we achieve that we can have a look at Swindon and see if they can still be caught.

"I think we are worthy title contenders but we have to make sure we get promoted first.

"All we can control is what we do and we have to make sure we do our jobs."

See also:

• Shane Cansdell-Sherriff gets set for career high

• Shrewsbury Town promotion bid game sold out

• Matt Richards ready to end the hurt