Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Hurst aiming for Wembley return

Town host League One rivals Oldham Athletic in a quarter-final clash tonight (7pm).

Though the competition has its detractors, Hurst – who won the competition as a player with Rotherham in 1996 – has another trip to the national stadium on his mind.

“I’m still not sure what type of crowd we’ll get but, from a players’ point of view, they should certainly feel they’ve got a chance of playing in a final at Wembley,” he said.

“That’s great for anyone’s career. I think one or two have been lucky enough to do it already, but they’d like to do it again – it’s not something you get bored of.

“I like winning things. Everything considered, it’s the best chance we have of winning something.”

As well as his final with Rotherham in the 1990s, Hurst has also been to Wembley twice as a manager, both with Grimsby Town – losing the FA Trophy final in the 2015/16 season and winning the National League play-off final in the same campaign.

“Wembley is the home of football. When you’re there, it’s a massively different feel. It’s very exciting,” said Hurst.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to go a few times as a manager and I always say that I hope it’s not my last time.

“That might sound a bit greedy, a bit hopeful, but we are edging closer.

“I would love to lead the club out, the team, in a final.

“We’re hopeful but, first and foremost, we’ve got to win this game against Oldham.

“Although they lost 3-0 (at Peterborough United, in the league) at the weekend, they played well. They have got some very good players.”

Some fans feel fatigue played a part as Town gave up a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.

And Hurst admits that some of his players will have to ‘grit their teeth’ for this encounter.

“You don’t want to get dumped out because, if you do, you’ll feel like what has gone on before has been a little bit of a waste,” he added.

“I’m sure both teams will be looking to be positive.

“It has been a gruelling schedule. I think it is our eighth game in the last 25 days, which is some run – for any team.

“I still feel we’ve got some energy in us.

“Some of the lads will have to grit their teeth and go again.”