Shrewsbury Town’s new matchday Captain, Abu Ogogo, is expecting another tough game as Town’s pre-season preparations continued tomorrow night.
Ogogo has been part of the Town sides which have beaten Wolves and Aston Villa in their last two fixtures, but he believes Cardiff could be the most difficult game yet.
“Neil Warnock’s obviously an English manager and he’s going to have them fired up for it. He’s going to have seen that we’ve beaten two Championship teams, so he’s not going to take us lightly and we are expecting a tough game.
“We’ve done well over the last couple of games, but you don’t want to read too much into it. It’s still pre-season, so fitness is the main thing at the minute rather than results, but we have performed well against Championship teams, so that gives us confidence.”
Ogogo has been heavily involved in pre-season so far and admits he has enjoyed testing himself against Championship opposition.
“I’m enjoying it”, laughed Abu.
“When you are running around for five minutes and you haven’t touched the ball you aren’t enjoying it much then, but it’s good to test yourself against better players so I am enjoying it.
“I’m feeling good. In pre-season you expect to feel a few niggles and feel a bit tired, which is what I’m feeling at the minute, but that’s what pre-season is for and you get through it and make sure you are fresh for the start of the season.
“There’s not long now before the start of the season. You want to make sure you stay injury free and get as many minutes as you can and get as fit as you can, so that you give the Gaffer a headache come the start of the season.”
There is good competition for places throughout the Town squad, particularly in central midfield, where Abu is relishing the fight for a starting place.
“They are all different types of players”, admitted Ogogo.
“Bryn and Jon are a little bit similar and Ebou is a bit different, but they are all good players and I enjoy it whoever I play alongside.
“Everyone says that Ebou is a younger version of me. He comes and asks me questions and asks me for advice and if he needs me then I’m always there.”