Joe Riley will thrive from competition on his return – Paul Hurst

Right-back Riley tore his ankle ligaments and broke his fibula on the final day of last season in the defeat at Oxford United.

The injury meant Montgomery Waters Meadow chief Hurst was in the market for a right-sided defender this summer, finally securing the signature of Gateshead full-back Bolton.

Riley, 25, has worked hard over the summer with first-team physio Chris Skitt and is now back running.

“There is a target for Joe,” said Hurst. “It’s for him and Skitty, I’ve been made aware of a date but there’ll be no pressure put on Joe – that’s the last thing anyone needs.

“Some people react to targets better than others. That’s for Joe and Skitty to decide on, but he has made good progress so far.

“There has been, on occasions, times he’s wanted to move on quicker but he is ahead of schedule, from that point of view he can only be pleased.”

Bolton has impressed in Town’s pre-season friendlies at right-back. But Hurst wants that particular signing to have a positive affect on Riley, who also suffered a dreadful knee injury at former club Bolton Wanderers.

The boss added: “I want it (the Bolton signing) to do the exact opposite and spur him on.

“If he needed any more motivation to work hard in the gym and be as fit as possible then there’s that, he’ll be ready. I want competition all over and once Joe’s back fit we’ve certainly got that at right-back.”

Riley is a few weeks from returning properly to the first team, but has been doing slight ball work and running with Skitt, while he was also involved in Town’s pre-season tour in Portugal said Hurst.

“We certainly don’t want to attempt to rush him back and him have a setback.

“He’ll continue to work hard. He’s been frustrated because he wants to be with the squad all the time on the grass, but he’s done a lot of work on his own.

“Unfortunately for Joe he’s been there before so he knows he can come through it, but when he’s back he’ll be a welcome addition.”