Steve Arnold: Best year if Shrewsbury survive

The 29-year-old, a summer signing from non-league Barrow, has impressed since breaking into the side for his league bow in November.

The Hertfordshire-born shot-stopper has clocked up more than 30 appearances for Town, 22 in the league.

And his man-of-the-match display in last weekend’s victory over his former club Wycombe highlighted the key role he could play during the run-in.

“I had the best part of 30 games at Stevenage so if I stay in until the end of the season it probably would be the most I’ve played at this level,” he said.

“It’s gone well for me personally but it would be so much better if we were higher up the league.

“I don’t feel like I’m approaching 30, though it’s scary to even be saying that!

“As a keeper you have a bit more longevity. I’ve got the best part of seven years and keepers come to fruition between 27 and 32 and I’m bang in the middle of that.”

Barrow had spells at Forest Green, Dover, Gillingham and Barrow after leaving Stevenage in 2014.

And he has highlighted the work put in by goalkeeping coach Phil Smart and first-team coach Danny Coyne, who made more than 500 appearances between the sticks during his playing career.

“Not having a full-time goalkeeping coach for three or four years after I left Stevenage was tough,” he added.

“I think it’s shown this season having Coyney and Smarty here how much I have come on as a goalkeeper.

“It’s shocked me to be fair and it shows you how important they are to have around you.

“Coyne has the experience if you need to ask him anything and the training side is unreal, it’s spot-on.

“Smarty hasn’t had the top-flight playing background but he has come in and been absolutely brilliant

.”