DEFENDER Jay McEveley wasn’t expecting to return to the Town squad for Saturday’s win over Shrewsbury, but was pleased to play his part in earning three more valuable points in the League One promotion race.

The left-back replaced captain Alan McCormack for the closing stages of the 2-0 victory over the Shropshire side, having only made the bench following a slight hamstring injury to Joe Devera.

It was the first time McEveley had been involved in the Town squad since recovering from knee surgery at the start of December, and the 27-year-old was glad to be back on the field.

“I didn’t expect it really but Joe’s got a bit of a tight hamstring which gave me a chance to be back in the squad, and then I didn’t expect to get on the pitch either,” he said.

“I managed to get 10 minutes or so out there which will help, and it was good to play a small part in another three points.

“I felt good because I had done all the training and everything in my rehab, but now I need to get match fit which takes a few games.

“The lads had done so well recently so I thought I would have to bide my time to get back in, but to get some minutes was great.”

McEveley could only watch on in the first half as Town failed to break down a stubborn Shrewsbury side, and the defender admitted he is not surprised to see teams turn up at the County Ground looking to keep things tight.

“I think a lot of teams are going to come to our place and do the same thing, and we have to be patient a little bit because not every match can be like Tranmere or Portsmouth with us winning 5-0,” he said. “That is something we have to learn to deal with and not lose our game plan.”

The former Barnsley and Derby man was also full of praise for the army of supporters who helped clear the pitch to ensure the game went ahead.

“It was brilliant to see, and the fans did an absolutely amazing job to clear it and get the game on and we are very grateful,” he said.

“I don’t think a game would have gone on in any other ground in country following that amount of snow, so we are very lucky to have the fans who helped us.

“They did a great job, and it was brilliant to be able to reward them with three big points.”