Gudjon lauds 'unsung hero'

Despite signing a one-year deal with the Magpies back in August, Marshall is still a relatively unknown figure to Notts supporters, having made just a single first-team appearence.

That came in a 5-2 LDV Cup defeat at Northampton, a match that saw Notts take less than a 100 travelling fans.

But though Marshall's first-team chances have been limited, the former Cambridge keeper has drew praise from his manager, both for his attitude and his performances in training and reserve matches.

"One of the reasons behind the form of Kevin Pilkington this season is Shaun Marshall pushing him," Thordarson told the official website.

"Every week he (Marshall) has been the same, no moaning, no complaining and I have been very happy that we have such an excellent goalkeeper in reserve.

"In some ways he is an unsung hero. He is experienced and has done a great job for us.

"Obviously it is hard for him because he wants to play regular football, but there has been no justification for dropping Pilks."

Like the entire playing squad - with the exception of his goalkeeping rival - Marshall is out of contract in the summer, but though he says he is keen on keeping the 26-year-old at Meadow Lane, Thordarson admits it is likely that the stopper will depart in order to find regular first-team football.

"Make no mistake about it, I would like to keep Shaun here," said the County boss.

"It is clear how important he is. To have someone like him around the place pushing Pilks is great.

"We have been lucky to have someone like him. I am not saying we are going to get rid of him, but if he wants to play regularly we can't really stand in his way after the service he has given us."

And Marshall admitted it is unlikely that he will remain Pilkington's understudy for another season.

"The gaffer has been really good and honest with me. He wants me to go out and play first team football in the Football League," he said.