Appleton 'not against' striker Lloyd at wing-back

Shrewsbury Town manager Michael Appleton says he is "not against" the idea of using striker George Lloyd as a wing-back if necessary this season.

Lloyd was switched to the right side of Town's defence following the withdrawal of Ismeal Kabia with illness for the final half an hour of Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Grimsby Town in League Two.

And the 25-year-old's performance impressed Appleton.

"There's a few of the staff who genuinely believe there is a wing-back in Lloydy, " Appleton told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"We spoke about it pre-season. He's not the type of centre-forward who's in your team to score bundles of goals, he's in there for his work rate, commitment and effort. He's a fantastic header of the ball.

"He had one serious piece of defending to do from a cross and he did it really well. So I'm very pleased with him."

Town's point, secured by John Marquis' equaliser in first-half stoppage time, inched Salop two points clear of the relegation zone after the three teams below them - Crawley Town, Bristol Rovers and Harrogate - all lost.

Given Shrewsbury were playing three days after their extra-time victory over Sutton United in their televised FA Cup second-round tie, Appleton said he was "more happy than disappointed" having to settle for a point against the Mariners.

And Lloyd's performance as a stand-in defender has given Appleton food for thought over playing him there more often.

"I'm not against it but it's certainly one at the minute where we need a threat in behind," he said.

"John [Marquis] does the best he can but his years are getting older rather than younger and Lloydy gives us something a bit different on that top line.

"So if there was a choice right now it would be keep him in his proper position but certainly when we're stretched, he is an option there."