Keith Southern: Shrewsbury have nothing to fear

The 33-year-old, who is on loan at Greenhous Meadow from Fleetwood, has a wealth of experience to call upon having amassed more than 400 appearances across the Premier League and Football League.

Town currently sit second in League Two but have some breathing space in the automatic promotion slots with a six-point lead over fourth-placed Southend.

And Southern feels if promotion is secured, Micky Mellon's side have more than enough talent to be successful again next year.

"There is obviously an increase in quality when you get to League One," the midfielder said.

"You just need to look at the three teams that got promoted from League Two last year (Chesterfield, Scunthorpe, Rochdale and Fleetwood).

"All those teams are more than holding their own and there is no reason why Shrewsbury won't do the same.

"It's a little bit better in standard, but I wouldn't say there is a massive jump and there is absolutely nothing for the players here to fear."

Southern has had to endure a slow start his Town career after being sent off on only his second appearance in the 1-0 win at Newport County.

But the former Blackpool man is now hoping to be more influential with Salop only having 11 games remaining, starting with a visit to third-placed Wycombe on Saturday.

"This is a really good club to be at with really good people," Southern said.

"We had a little blip against Northampton and we were disappointed not to beat Cambridge.

"But there are enough games left to push on, gain promotion and win the league.

Hopefully I can play a major part ."