Jonathan Mitchell ready to step into No.1 role at Shrewsbury Town says Sam Ricketts
Shrewsbury manager Sam Ricketts has backed Jonathan Mitchell to prove a worthy deputy to Steve Arnold, whose hamstring injury will be assessed this week.
Mitchell, signed on loan from Championship side Derby in January, has yet to start a game for Salop but has made two cameos from the bench for Arnold.
Town No.1 Arnold limped off late on during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth with a muscle complaint, shortly after making a poor error for the visitors’ second goal.
Fellow keeper Reice Charles-Cook could also deputise if Arnold does not recover in time for next weekend’s crucial trip to relegation rivals Southend. The duo have been alternating on the bench with Arnold firmly Ricketts’ first choice.
“I’ve got huge confidence in all the keepers here,” said Ricketts.
“Mitch came on, he’s had to do that once before, and if Steve isn’t fit for next week then I have full confidence in the keeper that’ll play.
“Steve doesn’t look good, we’ll assess him during the weekend see how he gets on.”
James Bolton lasted until the 72nd minute before he was withdrawn for Tyrese Campbell. The defender, who was moved from centre-half to right wing-back, has been struggling recently with an ankle and foot injury.
“Bolts has struggled from last weekend. It’s a funny one with his foot,I didn’t think he’d make it for Portsmouth but in fairness to him he wanted to make it, I think he irritated it during the game,” added the Town boss.
“We had a few players that were touch and go but eventually all managed to get on the pitch. It shows their character. We’ll have to assess Bolts, he was struggling but had a really good game.”
