Connor Goldson tipped to fill breach for Shrewsbury Town

Goldson appears the likely choice to step into the breach at centre-back if, as expected, Mkandawire does not recover from his hamstring injury in time for next weekend's trip to Crawley.

That latest injury leaves Shrewsbury's defensive options stretched with fellow centre-back Dave Winfield still on the comeback trail himself from a hamstring injury.

Boss Graham Turner has not ruled out going back into the loan market to bring in reinforcements.

But Jones says Goldson, who has been in and out of the side so far this season, is more than capable of providing the necessary cover.

He said: "It is a massive blow Tam and Dave being injured but I am sure Connor can step in and do just as good a job.

"He has been around the scene long enough, he knows what he is doing and he has played quite a few games."

Jones and Goldson have played as a central defensive partnership on a number of occasions, most recently against Oldham in Tuesday's 4-1 Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat after Mkandawire limped off in the sixth minute.

Jones believes their display on that night was simply a 'blip' and, with more games, they will form a far more formidable pairing.

"Tuesday was a one-off blip and it wasn't just the back four, it was the whole side (that underperformed)," he said.

"But Connor is a good enough player and we will be fine for next Saturday (if selected together)."