Captain Mat Sadler wins praise from Shrewsbury boss Sam Ricketts for being a perfect professional

Town’s longest-serving player, who turned 34 last month, has been out of Ricketts’ first XI since the 1-1 Montgomery Waters Meadow draw against Burton five weeks ago.

Ricketts has preferred pairing Ro-Shaun Williams and Luke Waterfall with either James Bolton or Omar Beckles in his defensive three.

But Ricketts has praised Sadler, whose Town contract expires at the end of the season, for his professionalism off the pitch – adding that the fans’ favourite understands the situation and realises his selections are for the benefit of the team.

“I speak to Sads on a regular basis, he’s a great guy, a very, very good club captain,” said Ricketts, whose Shrewsbury side sat 20th in League One before this afternoon’s big visit of Wycombe.

“Of course he wants to play, all players want to play, but what you see from him is a level of professional and why he’s had such a good career.

“He understands the situation and he puts the team first before himself.

“He knows it’s all about the team so he is constantly encouraging and pushing the players the right way.

“It’s exactly the same as if he was playing and that’s why he’s had the career he has, because his professionalism is excellent.

“It’s an ongoing conversation, I speak to all my players as often as I can, that personal relationship is very important.

“I explain my reasons to him, players may or may not agree with them, but Sads has been excellent. He’s not been on the field but off the field he’s been superb – standards, pushing players, encouragement – everything you want from a senior player.”

Ricketts, now 37, ended his playing career at Coventry in late 2016. He was unable to continue because of a knee injury and hung up his boost having just turned 35.

Asked if he can relate to Town’s skipper, Ricketts replied: “Yes, of course.

“I’ve had that conversation with him, I’ve been in his position. I speak to him and explain what happened to me – but everyone is different.

“But his attitude and professionalism have been excellent. It’s really pleasing and I’m delighted. He knows full well the team is bigger than any individual and that goes for the club captain as well.”