Shuker backs Tranmere for top six

Shuker has scored five goals in 24 games this season

Tranmere winger Chris Shuker says his side can make a sustained push for a play-off place in the second half of the season.

Tranmere are eighth in League One, just four points off the play-off positions.

Shuker told BBC Radio Merseyside "The last two years we've been in the play-off positions and then been caught.

"Carlisle came from behind last season and sneaked in. We're creeping up and might not be noticed, but we're there or thereabouts."

Shuker added: "As you get over Christmas, the season goes much faster. You've really got to get your points because before you know it the time has run out, and if you're off the pace the games run out. It's amazing how quickly the games disappear."

Tranmere can now concentrate on the league having been knocked out of all the cup competitions and Shuker now believes this could be a blessing in disguise.

"It's definitely a good position to be in, to focus on the league. It might have been good to go a couple of rounds in the cup, but the league is the most important, and getting out of this league is the number one ambition."