Josh Laurent previews Town's Sky Bet League One fixture with Portsmouth.
Shrewsbury Town are back on the road again this weekend as Sam Ricketts’ men take on Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
Town will be looking for a return to winning ways with a result over Pompey who currently sit in sixth position in the Sky Bet League One table.
Town midfielder Josh Laurent is looking forward to the test and notes Town will need a strong performance to earn the win over Kenny Jackett's Portsmouth.
“Portsmouth will be high on confidence because they are having a very good spell,” said Town’s number 28. “They lost the other night but they won nine on the bounce before that.
“They will be high on confidence and the fans will get behind them. I’ve heard Fratton Park has sold out, so we are expecting a high-intensity game - they will try to put our backs against the wall.
“We need to be back to our best to stop Pompey. We need to be strong as a unit. I’m sure if we keep the back door shut, we can always nick a goal. We haven’t been great up top recently but it's quality that we do have – we need to be more consistent.
“Hopefully we can keep the door shut and nick a goal at the other end. I enjoy hostile crowds, it’s just one noise. It’s easier to block it out. It gives the game more life and intensity.
“It’s a good game and it has come at a good time for us. The first goal is important. We are going there and will be looking to turn the fans against the home side. We want to make it nervy for them.
“I feel fine, it's more of a mental thing trying to go again. You can do things to recover physically, but it's harder to get ready mentally."