Shrewsbury Town were today facing up to life without Paul Murray for the next six weeks.Saturday’s match-winning hero at Exeter had a scan on the injury which has troubled him throughout the opening weeks of the season.

The results have provided disappointing news for both player and manager Paul Simpson, with the 31-year-old suffering a partial rupture of the Achilles tendon and starring at an extended spell on the sidelines.

“It’s not particularly good news and the early indications is that it will probably be about six weeks out,” Simpson said.

“You have to say that Paul has done well to play the games he has with it.

“It’s good that we have got to the bottom of it and hopefully we can get the problem fully sorted within that time.

“It’s a blow, without a doubt, but that is why we wanted a strong squad and a good group of players.

“It’s now up to someone else to step up to the plate.”

Meanwhile, there is contrasting news on Town’s other two walking wounded – Graham Coughlan and David Hunt who are battling hamstring and knee concerns at present.

Experienced defender Coughlan continues to make steady progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury – but midfielder Hunt is facing a further two or three weeks out with lateral ligament damage on his knee.

Town’s reserves are in action for their first time this season tonight when they make the trip to Lincoln.

A strong team will be sent – with Simpson aiming for his players to keep the pressure on his current first-team.

Tonight’s squad is: Glynn Garner, Darren Moss, Neil Ashton, James Meredith, Chris Humphrey, Stephen Hindmarch, Steve Leslie, Marc Pugh, Dave Hibbert, Michael Symes, Guy Madjo, Harry Hooman, Jasbir SIngh, Aaron Gibson, Andre Gray, Jan Coulston.

By James Garrison