Woods staying focused

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The midfielder has been one of Town’s top performers this term and starred in their 2-1 League Cup defeat to Chelsea last month.

The 20-year-old is now preparing to face Walsall, who released him as a kid, in the FA Cup first-round replay on Tuesday.

Shrewsbury boss Micky Mellon has previously said he is desperate to keep Woods for their League Two promotion charge – something which remains Woods’ only focus.

“You have to take everything in your stride, there’s no point getting frustrated or worried about it,” he said.

“It’s nice to hear things but it doesn’t affect me at all, I’m playing for Shrewsbury Town and we’re looking to get back into League One and that’s all I’m aiming for.

“I had a very good game against Chelsea and that’s probably raised my profile a little bit.

“It’s a nice thing because I want to be the best player I can be and aim for the top. I think I’ve had a very good season so far.”

Woods was suspended for Shrewsbury’s 2-0 win over Mansfield on Saturday – their sixth straight win in the league.

He is expected to return on Tuesday, though, and admits he must get used to special attention.

“In the last couple of games before I was suspended I was getting man marked a little bit but it’s just another thing for me to deal with and to get in my game,” Woods said.

“When you become known as a good player you are going to get man marked so it’s something I have to get used to.”

Woods left Walsall after playing for the Under-15s and he is out to gain revenge over the Saddlers after they beat Town three times last season.

He said: “We have drilled it into the lads they took the mick out of us last year and the year before that. It’s disheartening, especially for me being there as a kid as I have never beaten them. It would be nice to beat them.”

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