HEREFORD United winger Marc Pugh has vowed to prove his worth to the man who kicked him into touch less than six months ago.

Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Simpson released Pugh in the summer with a year of his contract remaining.

Now Pugh, who still lives in Shrewsbury, is Hereford’s leading scorer and wants to line up against his former club in Tuesday’s League Two derby at Edgar Street.

“I had a really good time at Shrewsbury Town and it was a good experience,” Pugh said.

“But we had a change of manager and I was not in Paul Simpson’s plans.

“I feel that I have a point to prove and I want to show my old manager he was wrong about me.

“I played 40 league games in my first season at Shrewsbury after Gary Peters had signed me from Bury.

“He gave me an opportunity and he improved me as a player.

He added: “I know that Paul Simpson was a winger in his playing days but I don’t think that was ever a problem between us.

“I always went out and tried my best. But it was obviously not good enough.”

The 22-year-old was loaned out to Hereford in March and then signed a one-year deal with United in the summer following his release by Shrewsbury.

The winger, though, is well aware of the rivalry between Hereford and Shrewsbury — he played in both League Two derbies against the Bulls in 2008.

“Derby games are always great to play in,” said Pugh.

“Hopefully, it will be a big crowd with an excellent atmosphere and a lively pace to the game.

“It would be really nice to beat Shrewsbury.”