Pugh bids for Christmas return

Winger Marc Pugh has set himself the target of returning for Shrewsbury Town’s hectic festive programme - after revealing he has been carrying a groin injury for a month.The 20-year-old has been an absentee for the last fortnight after his late withdrawal from the 2-0 defeat at Rotherham.

Town officials are still waiting to receive the results from a scan to determine the full extent of the injury.

But Pugh is hopeful that he will be fit to return ahead of the trip to Accrington on Saturday, December 22 and the subsequent Christmas and New Year programme when Town will play four times in 10 days.

“I’m really frustrated but it’s probably my own fault because I played with the injury for a couple of weeks,” said the former Bury man.

“I was just desperate to be involved and be out there with the lads.

“I probably felt it for the first time a month ago but it kept coming and going - some days it felt alright and then I would over-stretch for the ball and I would feel it again.

“Doing the warm up at Rotherham I couldn’t even kick the ball it was that sore so I had to tell the gaffer I wouldn’t be able to go on, even though I sat on the subs bench.

“I went for a scan last week and that has been frustrating because we haven’t had the results yet, but I went for a run yesterday and it felt much better.

“I am looking for being back after the Dagenham game (a week on Saturday) and anything before that is a bonus.”

Since Pugh’s injury absence, Town have switched to a 3-5-2 formation - but Pugh insists he is capable of slotting into that shape.

“I should be able to play in any position on the pitch so I’m quite happy to slot in where required,” he added.

Town reserves slipped to a 2-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion last night.

Spaces remain available on coaches for the trip to Notts County on Saturday.

Those wishing to travel with Super Blues should contact 01952 604742, or places on Official Supporters Club coaches can be reserved on 01743 770001 or 01691 652126.