Cheerleader Louis Dodds ready for his Shrewsbury Town chance

And asked how his current mood sits, the likeable attacker replied ‘happily frustrated’.

Dodds, a popular and bubbly figure around the Shrewsbury set-up, has been left kicking his heels on the bench this season.

But he faces a shot at making his mark in Paul Hurst’s first-team tonight as Town head to Port Vale for a Checkatrade Trophy knockout clash, writes Lewis Cox.

The 31-year-old, Town’s top goalscorer last season, is delighted with the team’s progress, but frustrated he has not been able to play his part.

But instead of being down in the dumps, Dodds is the total opposite.

He admitted: “I’m happily frustrated. I am frustrated but I’m happy the team is doing well.

“You’ve got to be a bit of a cheerleader. Keeping everyone going without being an energy-sapper and down in the dumps.

“That’s my role at the minute and I’ve got to do it to the best of my ability.

“If you have cliques in the group with the lads that aren’t playing they can sap energy and take it out the squad. That’s not helpful, you need them even though the team is doing well.

“It only takes an injury and suspension and they’re back in. They’ve got to be mentally right as well as physically.”

Experienced Dodds, who spent eight seasons at Vale Park – scoring 56 goals in more than 300 appearances – is more than aware he must be on his game when chances come his way.

He added: “I’ve got to be ready and waiting for when I get that chance.

“If I spit my dummy out while sat in the stand or I’m on the bench not very happy and they say ‘go on Doddsy, there’s your chance’ and I’m not ready then I’ve only got myself to blame.

“You’re employed by the club but you’re self-employed as in you have to keep yourself motivated.”

Dodds revealed yesterday he has the best ‘banter’ at Shrewsbury Town – by virtue of the ‘horrendous’ sense of humour in those around him.

But it is at home where he is able to keep his own spirits raised, through his eight-month-old daughter Tallulah.

“There’s been a few games where I’ve gone home frustrated having not played but having Tallulah at home, she keeps me lifted. She’s doing at home what I’m doing to the first team – she keeps the spirits and morale high.”

He smiled: “We’re both doing a good job.”

Shrewsbury’s No.10 will not allow sentiment to get in the way of tonight’s last 32 tie.

The best of his 11 goals in blue and amber came last season in his first return to Vale Park, an emotional evening for the Sheffield-born man.

Naturally, he did not celebrate, but he would take another 30-yard netbuster tonight to edge a first-ever Wembley appearance closer.

“It was very odd to go back last season after eight years playing at one place,” he added. “It felt like I should’ve been going in the other dressing room.

“I did a professional job, scored and didn’t celebrate, hopefully I’ll be doing the same tonight.”

The ardent Sheffield Wednesday fan added: “It would be unbelievable to get to Wembley having watched the FA Cup as a kid and watching England games.

“Wembley and Hillsborough are the only grounds I’m desperate to play at.”