Craig MacGillivray is feeling the Shrewsbury love at the Meadow
Goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray has heaped praise on Paul Hurst after admitting he feels wanted at Shrewsbury Town.
The former Walsall shot-stopper has been between the sticks for Town’s last two outings in cup contests against Aldershot and the Saddlers.
Fellow goalkeeper Dean Henderson has returned from international duty and will be favourite to take the No.1 shirt for Saturday’s trip to Rotherham.
But MacGillivray, 24, revealed he has respect for the way Hurst conducts himself regarding team selection – adding it is different to any man-management he has experienced before.
He said: “I kind of understand the scenario, you can’t drop someone if they’re doing well and the team’s picking up results.
“As nice as it would be to keep playing, but it is what it is.
“The way the gaffer goes about it, and I’d have thought with the other lads, is the right way and I respect that.
“He pulls me to the side after I’ve played, which I’m very grateful for. He could just be like ‘there you go, it’s gone’.”
Town captured MacGillivray on a free transfer from Walsall, his first professional club, in the summer.
The Yorkshire-born former non-league man was relishing the prospect of regular first-team football after leaving the Banks’s Stadium club, where he struggled to oust No.1 Neil Etheridge.
MacGillivray, despite a number of impressive cameos, has failed to hold down the League One shirt, with Henderson selected on his return from England under-21 duty.
But he appreciates the manner of Hurst’s behaviour, adding: “I’ve had experience of a similar scenario where I’ve come in, done well, but the person in front of me is doing well and I’ve been left wondering why.
“I’ve then had to go and find out myself the reasons why. It’s nice that the gaffer is the one pulling me. It gives you the feeling of being wanted.”
MacGillivray earned plaudits for his display in the 5-0 FA Cup success against Aldershot. A commanding figure, he confidently claimed crosses on a number of occasions.
The performance led to Hurst saying he could ‘do no more’ in his fight for a first-team place.
MacGillivray added: “Whenever I step on the pitch I want to prove that I’m more than capable, it’s a chance to showcase yourself.
“It’s limited chances at the minute so you need to stake a claim when you get the chance.”
