Dave Hibbert joined Shrewsbury from Preston

Dave Hibbert is determined to challenge midweek five-goal hero Grant Holt for his place in the Shrewsbury attack.

"I know I've still got a lot to learn," he told BBC Radio Shropshire, "but with Holty and Richard Walker coming in there are good people to learn from.

Hibbert, who has been a first-choice while Walker has been injured, said: "With the style and encouragement of the manager I'm sure I'll progress."

Boss Paul Simpson said: "I'm delighted with how hard Dave has been working."

Still only 22, Hibbert spent his formative years at Port Vale, Saturday's opponents, having started there at the age of nine.

After making an early first team impact at Vale Park, he was then plucked by Preston in the summer of 2005.

But, although never establishing himself at Deepdale, his potential was recognised by former Shrewsbury boss Gary Peters, who brought him to the Gay Meadow in June 2007.

He hit 12 goals in a struggling side last season - and has hit another three this time round, just one behind record signing Holt, three of whose four league goals have come from the penalty spot.

He is set to form a new partnership on Saturday alongside Walker, who expects a recall as replacement for the suspended Holt.

But both know that one will be likely to be sacrificed when Holt is available again after suspension for the home game with Bournemouth on Saturday week (18 October).