Tony Mowbray expects a Shrewsbury Town approach from Ipswich Town following the appointment of Paul Hurst as the club’s new manager.

The Shrews pushed Rovers hard for a League One automatic promotion spot last season, eventually losing out in the play-off final to Rotherham.

Hurst left for Portman Road shortly after and has gone about re-shaping the Tractor Boys, having this week made unsuccessful bids for two of his former players in Toto Nsiala and Jon Nolan.

Rovers have studied Ipswich closely in pre-season, watching their friendlies against MK Dons and West Ham.

Hurst will look to bring his own style to Ipswich having replaced Mick McCarthy at the helm following his six year tenure.

And on what to expect from tomorrow’s opponents, Mowbray said: “They have a new coach, one we know well from last season.

“Paul did an amazing job at Shrewsbury Town and I’m sure he will have Ipswich working just as hard as he did Shrewsbury.

“I think the managers dictate everything at football clubs, how the team plays and the demands they put on them.

“I don’t think Paul is going to change what he wants from his teams.

“I watched the game against West Ham last week and it was a really good performance, high energy with a lot of young players who have a lot of talent.”

A number of players who caught the eye in League One have joined Hurst in making the move up to the Championship.

With Nsiala and Nolan linked, as well as Blackpool’s Curtis Tilt, Hurst is trying to add his own stamp to his new club.

Having seen many of their new signings first hand in League One last season, Mowbray knows what to expect. But he admits Hurst will be wary of Rovers too.

“I know Jason Dozzell very well, his son Andre plays in the middle of midfield picking lovely passes, Ellis Harrison we know from Bristol Rovers, he scored against us at Ewood and is their number nine, running, jumping and chasing things making life difficult,” Mowbray said.

“Gwion Edwards who played so well against us in that first-half in the televised game against Peterborough, so there’s a few players who know who have given us problems in the past at Ipswich.

“They have some experienced footballers so it will be a tough game, Portman Road, there will be a good crowd.

“They’ll be running, working and organised as Paul’s teams are but it’s one we have to look forward to and one we’re looking to get the job done and get the points.”