Paul Murray and David Hunt are set to hand Shrewsbury Town a welcome double midfield fillip next week.

The duo are expected to continue their rehabilitation from long-term injuries with outings in the reserve trip to Sheffield United on Wednesday night.

Murray appears likely to play a more significant part than Hunt against the Blades, having already played 45 minutes in a behind closed doors friendly against Crewe.

But the return of both players from lengthy absences will enhance the midfield options of manager Paul Simpson as Town continue a hectic spell of games.

Murray has not been seen since at first-team level since scoring a dramatic late winner in the 1-0 League victory at Exeter on August 16, while Hunt hasn’t played any part in the current campaign after sustaining a knee injury in pre-season.

Meanwhile, Simpson remains on the look-out for fresh blood – with pace a key attribute he is seeking to add to the squad.

“I’m always looking and I need to bring in something different to what we have got,” he said.

“I’m pleased with the progression Paul Murray and David Hunt are making with their rehabs. They are coming along nicely.

“We have got good options at centre halves, we have got four good full backs – two each side.

“I’m looking to try and get some pace into the side if we can, so if anybody comes in it will be somebody like that.”

Meanwhile, striker Grant Holt has been nominated as one of four League Two contenders for the PFA 2UP Fans Player of the Month award for October.

Holt, who scored his five goals at Wycombe in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy during that time, is up against Lincoln’s Adrian Patulea, Darren Anderton of Bournemouth and Wycombe’s Mike Williamson. Fans can vote up to midnight at www.givemefootball.com/vote

By JAMES GARRISON