Adam Reach on alert for Shrewsbury Town striker role
On-loan Middlesbrough midfielder Adam Reach could be handed a surprise role up front next weekend to help Shrewsbury Town fill the void left by top-scorer Tom Bradshaw.
Town boss Graham Turner, whose side were today taking on Carlisle at home, is set to lose Bradshaw for next Saturday's home game against Gillingham because of his latest international call up.
The 21-year-old, who has netted four times in nine league matches so far, will be on duty with Wales Under-21s against Lithuania on Friday and San Marino the following Tuesday.
Turner's forward options have already been reduced this week with the return of loanees Curtis Main and Graham Burke to parent clubs Middlesbrough and Aston Villa.
Turner is eyeing a number of new recruits in the loan market, but believes Reach could provide a fresh alternative.
He said: "We have got Adam Reach who I have got a sneaking feeling would make a front player.
"We left him up front against Bradford and he runs well with the ball. And I think ultimately we might give him a go there and see how he does."
Reach, who has been used as a wide midfielder so far, already has one goal to his name having scored on his Town debut against Swindon in August.
Striker John Marsden is unlikely to be handed a starting role next weekend, having only just returned to the side following his recovery from a broken foot.
He is currently about two weeks' away from full fitness but fellow midfielders Paul Parry and Jon Taylor can also play a role up front if required and Turner insisted he will have 'one or two alternatives' to cover for Bradshaw.
But he has again expressed concern about the potential lack of action Bradshaw might get while on Wales duty.
He said: "He went to San Marino last month and played for 30 minutes, and then to Moldova and played for 10 minutes and I think the journey back from Moldova was something like 13 hours. I can't see any merit in that for a young player.
"If he is going then we'd love to see him play a major part."
Meanwhile, winger Jack Gwilliams' recent knee operation appears to have been a success. But Turner said: "I think it is going to be several weeks before he will be joining in with the rest of the squad."
