Liam Lawrence was appointed Shrewsbury Town captain this week - and he is relishing the chance to lead from the front against AFC Wimbledon.
New Town boss Micky Mellon was almost spoilt for choice given the number of players at the Greenhous Meadow these days with leadership qualities, but he eventually settled on the Republic of Ireland international, a man with a wealth of experience at the highest level.
So says Stuart Dunn from the Shropshire Star who believes the former Stoke City and Sunderland midfielder, who was also playing in the UEFA Champions League as recently as last year with Greek club PAOK Salonika, is a good choice.
"He can't stand losing, has the respect of his Meadow team mates and is fixed firmly on helping Shrewsbury emerge as a force to be reckoned with in League Two," added Dunn.
Returning striker James Collins could well be a thorn in AFC Wimbledon's defence and will be looking to pick up from where he left off in pre-season as the Shrews aim to bounce straight back to League One at the first time of asking.
Dunn says he has wasted little time getting back in the scoring groove in a blue and amber shirt as Town began life under Mellon with a comfortable 2-0 win over last season's League Two champions Chesterfield in pre-season.
He added: Collins has his predatory instincts remain intact despite a disappointing season at Hibernian and is the star in a four-pronged attack which also includes Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro, Andy Mangan and Scott Vernon."
And Dons strikers Matt Tubbs and Adebayo Akinfewe could get little change out of Shrews defender Nathaniel Knight-Percival.
Dunn says the former Peterborough man will be keen to show his class in League Two this season.
"He's confident in possession and strong in the air so he will be expected to give most of the division’s forwards a tough time," said Dunn.
Can AFC Wimbledon get their season off to a winning start or will the Shrews leave the Dons with their tails between their legs? Tweet us @DonsChronicle or email tms-sport@trinitymirror.com
