Shrewsbury striker Richard Walker is facing three weeks on the sidelines after being the latest of Paul Simpson’s summer signings to suffer an injury setback.Walker sustained a hamstring strain in the early stages of Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Aldershot and was quickly substituted.

He joins fellow summer arrivals Paul Murray and Graham Coughlan on the sidelines to temporarily deprive Simpson of some of the ‘spine’ of his team.

“We are looking at something similar to the hamstring injury Graham Coughlan has got with Richard,” said Simpson.

“It’s probably going to be about three weeks but we are pleased with the progress Graham has made so hopefully it will be the same with Richard.

“But the lads who are coming in are stepping up to the plate.

“David Hibbert did well on Saturday, Kelvin Langmead has settled in and Darren Moss did a job for us in midfield.

“That is the benefit of having a big squad and hopefully people will continue to slot in well all the way through the season.”

Coughlan continues to make steady progress from his hamstring problem – but is unlikely to be considered for Saturday’s trip to Notts County.

Simpson, meanwhile, is determined his squad will not rest on their laurels – despite hitting the top of the table after just three matches.

“I’m delighted with the starts we have made,” he said. “They have all been different games and we knew we were going to have a rough ride from playing two newly-promoted teams so early.

“We have got our rewards but we have to keep going because it’s only three games.

“The club had a good start last season but then it fell away so the challenge now is to keep the run going.”

* Derby teenage midfielder Matthew Richards has joined Shrewsbury on trial and is likely to feature in tomorrow’s first reserve team home game of the season against Sheffield Wednesday.

By James Garrison