John Askey’s dilemma with Shrewsbury striker Fejiri Okenabirhie

The summer signing from Dagenham & Redbridge is pushing for his first start in the league at Fleetwood Town tomorrow after lashing in a hat-trick against Tranmere Rovers this week.

The 22-year-old hitman joined with a big reputation from the Daggers and was top scorer in pre-season. He also netted in a practice match against Burton and in the Central League Cup against Bristol Rovers.

Supporters have pushed to see Okenabirhie in Askey’s league team. The boss has said the striker is not ready to play the lone forward role, so a reshuffle could be on the cards.

When asked if it would be tough to leave him out, Askey replied: “Yes, when somebody gets a hat-trick. But it wasn’t just that, it was his all-round play. He played well.

“A better keeper might have saved one or two shots but he and Lenny (Lenell John-Lewis) did really well.

“Lenny scored first and made the second one because Lenny played well.

“We played last Saturday and won, it’s something you’ve got to take into consideration, which I do.

“But when somebody is doing well, and are confident, you need to try and get them in.”

Askey lined his side up 3-5-2 for the midweek Checkatrade Trophy hammering as Okenabirhie partnered John-Lewis.

But Salop had recorded back-to-back clean sheets, against Walsall and Accrington Stanley, in their familiar 4-3-3 system.

The boss added on the three-man defence: “We have been picking up results, it’s been very tight in games, players have been playing well.

“We kept two clean sheets in two league games. But if need-be we know we can do that (play 3-5-2). We have got the players to do it.”

Askey continued on the prospect of playing two strikers: “Playing three at the back allows you to do that. You still get the security of three in midfield.

“It’s ways of trying to do it and get the players in who get the goals, we had a look at it on Tuesday and it couldn’t have gone any better.”