Key duo poised for Town return

Shrewsbury Town manager Paul Simpson today set his sights on welcoming goalkeeper Luke Daniels and defender Graham Coughlan back into first team contention.

Daniels has missed the last three weeks with a thigh injury, while he was joined on the sidelines by Coughlan for Friday’s trip to Chesterfield with a similar problem.

But Simpson is hopeful there is a chance the duo could be ready to return for Saturday’s trip to Lincoln.

“Luke Daniels trained a little at the end of last week and at the weekend as well and had no reaction,” said Simpson.

“Nathan Ring (Town physio) has spoken to West Brom and they are happy with the way he is coming along.

“If he progresses well in training this week, there is a chance Luke could be ready for Saturday and it’s the same with Graham Coughlan.

“He did some work over the weekend with no reaction and we will just have to monitor both of them throughout the week,” he added.

Daniels has been first choice throughout the season since joining on loan from West Brom, and is sure to push hard for a recall when declared fit.

And Simpson will also be anxious to welcome the experienced Coughlan back into the fold with two of his regular defenders missing on Saturday.

Mike Jackson and Ben Herd will both serve one match suspensions at Sincil Bank after accumulating five bookings, while one potential defensive replacement – Shane Cansdell-Sherriff – is also facing two weeks out with an ankle problem.

Meanwhile, Simpson was delighted to see Shrewsbury retain their place in the League Two automatic promotion places, despite being redundant on Saturday.

“There were some strange results and I was delighted we stayed in the top three,” added the Town boss.

“I still don’t think we have hit the levels of consistency we are capable of yet so it’s pleasing to be able to say that and still be in a strong position.”