Stephen Humphrys could be Shrewsbury's super sub

Just three of the 19-year-old front man's Salop appearances have been from the start, whereas he's featured five times from the bench.

The Fulham loanee has scored twice and enjoyed lively cameos against MK Dons and Chesterfield, while he struggled from the off in the home stalemate with Coventry.

"It''s a fair call," replied Hurst to suggestions that Humphrys has been more influential from the bench. "But I did say that in the striking areas you could put that to all the strikers we've got.

"If I can turn around and make two subs, and they make an impact then that's great. But the flip side is wanting the lads that start to start really well.

"I know what Stevie can do, I thought he did all right from the start against Charlton. That was his best game starting, but at Chesterfield everyone saw how well he did when he came on, a goal would've topped it."

Town fans have seen a taste of what the highly-rated youngster can offer during his first senior loan spell, while Hurst has a raft of options in attacking areas and hasn't settled on a front two following Freddie Ladapo's omission from the side in February.

The boss added: "He has looked a threat, running at defenders and looking big and strong.

"A dilemma I've got is whether he's better to be introduced rather than going from the start."

Hurst is expecting a reaction from his side against high-flying Bolton in League One on Saturday.

Town's chief watched the Trotters beat Oxford 4-2 on Tuesday, the third away game in a row they've netted on four occasions.

Shrews remained two points outside the League One drop zone this week, as rivals Port Vale lost at

Coventry.

The Greenhous Meadow boss had a frank exchange with his players after last Friday's disheartening reversal at Vale – and sent a reminder that there is little time left for any more slip-ups.

"I said to them 'do you want to be a League Two player?' I don't want to be a League Two manager. I didn't come to get relegated," said Hurst.

"It's that stage of the season with eight games in six weeks, it's not like October when you've got plenty (of time) to put it right.

"You've only got so many chances now and you've got to take them."