Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper Ben Smith admits he was not expecting to start the last game against Accrington Stanley after a spell out of the team.Smith, 24, was brought back into the side in Tuesday's 3-1 win, with manager Graham Turner dropping Chris Neal.
"It was a little bit of a surprise," Smith told BBC Radio Shropshire.
"But with the last couple of results, you want competition in the squad and you've got to be pushing for a place if you're not playing."
Shrewsbury have only won one out of their last six league games, but their win at Accrington lifted them back into the play-off places.
Smith pulled his groin at the start of the season after joining Town from Doncaster Rovers and now he feels fully fit.
"Chris Neal took his chance then, we're good professionals so we both get on with it. I supported him when he was in the side, so hopefully he'll support me when I'm in the team," Smith added.
Smith saw little first team action during his spell with Doncaster and he was sent out on loan to Morecambe and Lincoln City.
Shrewsbury take on League Two leaders Chesterfield at the Greenhous Meadow on Saturday.
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport