Raven confident Shrews can go up

Last updated : 21 April 2011 By BBC Sport

"I feel I have a new lease of life and a big part to play," the full-back told BBC Radio Shropshire ahead of Shrews' Easter derby at Hereford United.

"I've done a lot to get back to peak fitness and we're a very fit squad too, so I'm confident we can beat Hereford and win our last three games to go up."

Shrewsbury are currently in fourth place in League Two, one point behind Wycombe who currently hold the final automatic promotion spot.

I started the season so well then had this setback, but I've come back strong and I can get even stronger

Dave Raven

"The talk in the dressing room every day is of automatic promotion - and always has been," added Raven.

"Hereford away is a local derby and a tough game, but it's 11 against 11 and we all know we are definitely capable of winning it."

Raven made his professional debut at Liverpool in the 2004/05 season but he made only three starts in two years and went on loan to Tranmere for four months.

He then had a four-year spell at Carlisle but was released in the summer before being snapped up by Graham Turner.

"I started the season so well then had this setback, but I've come back strong and I can get even stronger," Raven added.

"Getting the final go ahead to play again was like getting a monkey off my shoulder. I knew I'd have to take my time but I always knew I'd be back.

"Playing again was obviously a bit nervy, but after a couple of reserve games I came through knowing I was OK, and then it was just a question of getting my head down and getting fully fit and getting on with it."

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport