Paul Hurst labels Abu Ogogo a 'freak of nature' after Shrewsbury Town injury return
Paul Hurst heaped praise on 'freak of nature' Abu Ogogo after his return from injury and believes the midfielder is a boost to the whole of Shrewsbury Town.
The all-action midfielder returned for the 1-1 draw at Northampton after 12 games on the sidelines after injuring his medial knee ligament against Scunthorpe on February 11.
Ogogo, who recently signed a year extension on his Greenhous Meadow deal, got through 90 breathless minutes at Sixfields as Town came from behind to seal a point through Mat Sadler's header.
Hurst, who was delighted at the overall performance of his side, said: "Abs used his experience, he put himself about but there were moments when he held his position. Three or four months ago maybe he'd have charged slightly more.
"He still did an excellent job and to get through 90 minutes like that is credit to him. I think he's a bit of a freak of nature.
"I spoke to Skitty (Chris Skitt) and he's worked extremely hard on the training ground. It was down to him, I asked if he was ready and fit to play and he said yes. I would never rush him or force him.
"He wanted to be out there and he did a good job for us today."
Town edged a point closer to safety after their drop zone rivals Gillingham and Port Vale fell to defeats. Shrews remain three points clear of the relegation places, with Bury and Vale boasting a game in hand.
"I think him playing is a boost for everyone concerned," Hurst added.
"I'm sure Deegs (Gary Deegan) and Bryn (Morris) would've prepared to be out there but he's a big player for us and he went out and did a job.
"He leads by example and with two games to go I'd like every player available to me and potentially we could."
There was no Joe Riley in the Shrews 18 after it was confirmed by Hurst that the right-back broke his wrist in training on Saturday in a challenge with Ryan Yates - who also impressed on his return to the side in Northamptonshire.
The club are hoping Riley can return to contention for the visit of play-off chasing Southend on Saturday, but they must obtain a suitable protective cast for his wrist.
Forward Freddie Ladapo is struggling with a toe complaint and didn't deem himself fit enough to feature.
