Praise handed to Shrewsbury Town's stand-in keeper
Shrewsbury Town stand-in goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray has been praised by boss Paul Hurst as the club weighs up whether to appeal Dean Henderson’s ban.
MacGillivray proved a safe pair of hands as Salop won 1-0 at Portsmouth on Saturday to move back up to second in League One.
He was between the sticks because Manchester United loanee Henderson missed out through an improper conduct charge, following an incident during a 3-1 loss at Blackburn Rovers earlier this month.
“I have to say, credit to Craig MacGillivray,” said Hurst. “He came in, with a lot of fuss about Dean not being able to play – and I sort of understand why.
“At the same time, I’ve said all along we have another keeper who is very capable.
“He made one save first half – straight at him, but saved it – and then a couple in the second half.
“He had to withstand a lot of difficult balls into the box and bodies around him – he can be very pleased with his afternoon’s work.”
Several objects are understood to have been launched towards Henderson by home fans at Ewood Park. It is alleged he then reacted by throwing an object which landed back into the stands.
Henderson denied the charge but it was upheld by an Independent Regulatory Commission, which studied video evidence before deciding to impose a three-game ban. The keeper was also fined £2,000.
Shrewsbury requested a copy of the commission’s written reasons, which they were due to receive today before deciding whether there are grounds for appeal.
“I really hope action is taken against that football club,” said Hurst.
“If that doesn’t happen, Dean’s not going to do anything. We had Toto (Nsiala) hit with a coin, Dean got hit with a coin. This isn’t me trying to defend – you cannot throw an object.
“I’m not overly happy with the whole situation, I don’t think us a football club are.
"But you have to get on with things and Craig has gone in there and done a good job for us.”
