Rhys happy with Football League debut at Morecambe
New loan signing Rhys Sharpe says Tuesday night's 4-1 win at Morecambe is a "benchmark" for the remaining nine League 2 games this season.
Town moved back into 2nd in the table after a much improved performance that saw goals from Connor Goldson, James Collins, Jermaine Grandison and Tyrone Barnett.
Sharpe made his Football League debut, drafted in for Mickey Demetriou, and the Derby County loanee impressed in the left wing-back role.
"The lads were deflated after losing at Wycombe on Saturday but the game against Morecambe is a benchmark for the last nine games," said the Northern Ireland Under-21 international. "We need to keep up those standards and hopefully we can win the title.
"I'm grateful to the manager for giving me an opportunity. I've come here to play games even though I knew I wasn't just going to walk straight into the team. I'm happy and hopefully I can keep my place. It's a great group of lads, they've welcomed me in and I felt comfortable. We need to keep those standards."
Sharpe has been a regular for the Rams Under-21's side this season but hasn't yet featured for Derby's first team.
"I found out I was playing on Monday evening and obviously I was buzzing," he said. "I prepared myself right for it and while there were a few nerves, I try not to let them get the better of me. I got my first few tackles and passes in early and went from there. I felt fine and confident and happy before the game.
"In League 2 football there's a lot more at stake. The football is good with the Under 21's but when I was on the bench against Wycombe on Saturday I saw the different side of the game. It's all good experience and I'm just happy to get underway."
Sharpe admitted he was pleased with his debut and is hoping to be selected again for when Shrewsbury play host to Oxford United on Saturday.
"I'm over the moon," he said. "It was a pretty scrappy 1st half but in the 2nd we dominated and killed it off. We were clinical in front of goal and I couldn't have asked for a much better start. I could have done slightly better myself but I've got high standards.
"It's a good benchmark and hopefully I can build from there. We moved the ball really well so credit to the lads, we were patient in the 2nd half and created good chances. The next game is a big one so we need to go from there."