Simpson bids to keep loan stopper

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Phillips has proved a big hit since arriving from Bristol Rovers, keeping two clean sheets ahead of this afternoon's clash at home to Northampton.

His loan is due to expire after Tuesday's League Two trip to Cheltenham and Chris Neal, the man for whom he has been deputising, is on his way back to fitness.

But Simpson still remains keen to explore the possibility of keeping him at the Prostar Stadium.

"I'd like to keep him here, that's the top and bottom of it," said the Shrewsbury manager.

"We've kept two clean sheets in a row and I think it would be useful to keep some continuity - that seems a sensible thing to do.

"I will need to speak to Steve and to Bristol Rovers, and I also need to speak to my chairman to see if we can afford to keep him.

"We will get an answer after the Cheltenham game but, with a bit of luck, he may still be available to us."

Shrewsbury already have three goalkeepers on their books, though they have never had the full trio fit and available.

Neal is back in training, but Simpson has been foiled on a bid to arrange a behind-closed-doors friendly for the middle of the week in order to help with his match fitness.

Glyn Garner has been struggling with a shoulder injury throughout the season so far and has now been booked in for shoulder surgery later this month. That will keep him out for several more weeks.

Teenager Andreas Arestidou, a summer signing from Blackburn Rovers, has impressed in the reserves but has so far been deemed too inexperienced to be thrust straight into the first team.