Paul Hurst gets the best out of me, says Shrewsbury Town midfielder Jon Nolan

Nolan previously worked under Hurst at Grimsby Town and has shone for Town since being snapped up in the summer.

The 25-year-old midfielder has been one of their main creative sources so far this term and is enjoying having the licence to burst forward, while Abu Ogogo and Ben Godfrey take on more defensive duties.

When asked if this is the most fun he has had in his career so far, Nolan said: “Definitely, the last time I said that was at Grimsby – and that was also with the gaffer.

“Obviously this at a higher level now and we are doing well, so it’s definitely the most enjoyable time of my career.”

Town snapped him up from Chesterfield for an undisclosed fee, on a three-year deal.

Nolan believes he is thriving because of the trust Hurst has in him and said: “We just seem to work well together.

“I love him. He is a good man manager. He is the manager I have had the best relationship with.

“His door is open to all of us if we’ve got a problem, you’re not scared to go in there and speak to him – he is very approachable.”

Second-placed Town are unbeaten in League One.

Many people expected them to be fighting at the other end of the table this campaign and Nolan, who has a goal target in mind but would not give it away, insists the squad are relishing being the division’s surprise package.

“The gaffer keeps saying to us ‘keep proving people wrong’ and that’s a good motivation to go by,” he said. “I have set myself a target for the season, goal-wise. I am not going to tell you what that is, but hopefully I hit the target.”

Tonight’s visit of Bristol Rovers comes after two draws on the road – both 1-1 – at Walsall and Plymouth Argyle.

It is their first league game at home this month – their last League One outing at the Montgomery Waters Meadow being the 2-0 win against Scunthorpe United on September 30.

“We enjoy playing at home, in front of our fans,” said Nolan, who has chipped in with two goals and three assists this season.

“I know it’s a cliché but they are our 12th man, especially with the extra fans that have been coming with us doing well.

“Hopefully we can put in a good performance and get the three points.

“We have got to try to win as many games as possible.

“We’ve just had two draws away from home and we are a bit disappointed with both of those performances, but we didn’t get beat.”

While disappointed to draw at rock-bottom Plymouth on Saturday, Town displayed good character to come back from behind to get a point – Shaun Whalley getting the leveller.

A nine-hour round trip, Home Park is never an easy place to go,

Having had Sunday off and a sharp session yesterday, Nolan feels they are in tip-top shape for tonight’s encounter and added: “We are as refreshed as can be after such a journey.

“We all rested up on Sunday then trained yesterday and we are raring to go. I enjoy the Tuesday night games and this should be a good one.

“Bristol are a good side. They haven’t been consistent but we will expect the best Bristol Rovers, and hopefully you will see the best Shrewsbury Town.”