Ollie Westbury comment: Which Shrewsbury Town players have improved the most under Gareth Ainsworth?

The head coach was appointed in November, and in the three months which have followed, Salop have improved immeasurably.

When he took charge of his first game against Birmingham City, Town went into the clash with eight points from their 15 League One games. 

In the 17 matches since, they have managed to take 19 points, and in the third-tier form table, they sit comfortably clear of the relegation zone in lower mid-table.

To do that, he has had to improve the players he has had at his disposal - but which of Town's current squad have benefitted the most from Ainsworth's appointment?

TAYLOR PERRY

Sadly for Perry and Shrewsbury, he missed the game against Huddersfield on Tuesday night due to injury.

But he has been a revelation since Ainsworth came in. The 23-year-old hardly featured under previous head coach Paul Hurst. He found himself out of favour with others preferred in midfield.

 Salop's head coach has been rewarded for the faith he has shown in Perry. He helped Town win away at Rotherham just a few weeks ago with a goal and an assist.

Then, just a few days later, he scored a vital goal at Reading to see Shrews travel home with a point.

ALEX GILLIEAD

The head coach went on record last week to say how pleased he was with the progress the versatile Shrewsbury midfielder has made. 

He can play in the centre of the park, which is arguably his best and most favoured position, but he will also drift out wide. 

There have been several occasions where the former Bradford man's direct and dynamic runs have led to Shrewsbury creating chances for themselves. 

It was his good play that created the chance for George Lloyd to score the winner against Mansfield at the start of this month. He has started 14 out of Ainsworth's 17 matches as boss.

JOSH FEENEY

The centre-back found himself out of the team when Ainsworth arrived. That was partly due to the injury he picked up in the final game before his appointment against Walsall in the EFL Trophy. 

When he returned to the starting XI, he had a nervy start in the 2-2 draw against Wigan, but since then, he has been outstanding. 

He has grown in confidence with each passing game, and there is no doubt that when he returns to his parent club, Aston Villa, he will go back as a much-improved player.

He has started the last 13 matches consecutively and managed an assist in the game against Mansfield when his deep cross found John Marquis at the back post. 

LUCA HOOLE

As most of the struggling Shrewsbury squad did, Hoole had his challenges at the start of the campaign, but he has been excellent of late. 

Just recently, in the game against Huddersfield. He was such a threat down Shrewsbury's right, linking up with Gilliead and providing crosses for Town's strikers in the penalty area.

When Hoole arrived in the summer after leaving Bristol Rovers, there was no doubt about his talent. Under Ainsworth, he has been nurtured and improved.

He missed the trip to Stockport, but aside from that, he has started every game since the end of November.