Shrewsbury Town boss set for loan talks

Shrewsbury Town boss Graham Turner will open negotiations to try and extend the loans of his three temporary signings beyond the start of the New Year.

The current deals for James Hurst, James Wallace and Aaron Wildig are all due to expire on or before January 14.

While a three-game suspension and an illness last weekend has limited the involvement of Wallace and injury has restricted Wildig's impact, Turner is keen to keep hold of the trio as he attempts to sustain Town's promotion push.

And that means talks with their parent clubs – West Bromwich Albion for Hurst, Everton for Wallace and Cardiff for Wildig – are on the agenda of the experienced Town chief.

"We've not done anything but we will speak to the clubs," Turner said.

"James Wallace is here until the second, James Hurst until the seventh and Aaron is the 14th.

"The strength in depth we have got (with them), we would like to keep them."

Turner is braced for a hectic weekend in the build up to the Boxing Day promotion showdown at Cheltenham on Monday. And that will include his squad being put through their paces on Christmas Day morning in preparation for the action 24 hours later

"It's an important time for football clubs and players," he said. "They have trained yesterday and today. They will have Friday off and then Saturday and Sunday we will be training."

Town enter the Christmas period with all but a clean bill of health.

Full back Jermaine Grandison is now fully returned to training after a hamstring problem, leaving only long-term victim Reuben Hazell – the defender is believed to be four to six weeks from contention but is recovering well – the only absentee.

"It can change so rapidly but, right at the moment, it's a healthy position to be in," added Turner.

* Shrewsbury's trip to promotion rivals Swindon Town, originally scheduled for Saturday, January 7, will now be played on Tuesday, February 21.

The game has had to be moved as both sides will be playing in the third round of the FA Cup on the first Saturday of 2012 – Shrewsbury at Championship club Middlesbrough and Swindon at home to Premier League Wigan.