Mike Jackson backed for top job by former Shrewsbury Town boss Gary Peters

Peters, who managed the club between 2004-2008, has been spotted in the stands at the Town's last two matches, away at Swindon and at home to Brentford.

His presence had sparked speculation among some fans that he might be interested in a second crack at the manager's job.

But Peters, who is now working in the game as a mentor, has no intention of applying and confirmed he was only there to watch Wigan midfielder Fraser Fyvie, who he advised to join Town on loan last month.

Asked if he had given any thought to applying, he said: "Definitely not. I have got my fingers crossed everything goes well for Michael. I'd like to see him do well enough to go on and get the job."

Peters knows Jackson well from his time managing Preston between 1994-1998.

He signed Jackson for the Lilywhites from Bury in 1997, and always believed Jackson had the potential to eventually move into management.

He said: "He was the right type of player to go on and become a manager. He was a very sensible player, did the right things at the right time, he worked very hard at his game and he behaved himself.

"If anyone was going to go into management you thought Michael would be one of them."

Peters also worked with current Manchester United boss and former Town player David Moyes, during his spell at Deepdale, and he believes that Jackson also has the potential to excel in management.

"David has gone on to great things and you never know, fingers crossed Michael can follow in his footsteps," he said.

Town's youth team boss Bernard McNally, listed as an outsider for the job, is also throwing his weight behind Jackson, who has been handed a five-game run as temporary boss.

He said: "He doesn't want to be looking over his shoulder. He wants to be focusing on what he is doing and I will support him."