Murray hits comeback trail

Key midfielder Paul Murray has hit the comeback trail by returning to full training with Shrewsbury Town.

The 32-year-old, whose last act in a Town shirt was to score a late winner at Exeter in the 1-0 League Two triumph on August 16, has spent almost two months on the sidelines with an Achilles problem.

But the former QPR, Carlisle and Gretna man has been involved in training with his team-mates since Friday, and was pencilled in to play some part in a behind-close-doors friendly against Crewe today.

The news comes as a timely boost for manager Paul Simpson whose midfield options have become a little threadbare with Sean Thornton's return to Leyton Orient.

But despite hopes rising of Murray's imminent return, Simpson hasn't ruled out seeking another midfield loan reinforcement ahead of this weekend's visit of Bournemouth.

Confirmed

"Paul has trained twice with us and is doing really, really well with his rehabilitation," said Simpson.

He also confirmed David Hunt is also getting closer to a return to training following a long-standing knee problem.

"Hopefully he can keep getting stronger and fitter and we can get him back soon because that would be a big boost, but it's still probably going to be another week or two until he is fully fit.

"It doesn't look like anything is going to happen with Sean Thornton which is disappointing so we will have a look around to see if there is anyone who can come in and help us.

"I wouldn't be suicidal if it doesn't happen but we have got a very, very busy period of games starting on Saturday – something like eight games in 28 days – so we will see what we can do."

Luke Daniels, who had 15 stitches to a facial injury on Saturday, is sitting out training in the early part of the week with a dead leg, but is expected to be fit for Saturday.

l Shrewsbury dropped to sixth place in League Two last night after being leapfrogged by Brentford who drew 1-1 at Notts County.

BY JAMES GARRISON