Two Shrewsbury Town players who feared their seasons were over are hoping to move a step closer aiding the promotion push in the next fortnight.

Defender Mike Jackson and midfielder Kevin McIntyre both appeared to have played their last games of the campaign after picking up knee and leg injuries respectively.

But manager Paul Simpson today revealed the pair could resume light running within the next two weeks after making good progress in recent days.

McIntyre suffered a double leg fracture at Port Vale in January, while Jackson has been sidelined since the end of last month.

Meanwhile, the promotion heat will be turned up on several of Town’s rivals tonight on a busy evening of League Two action.

Leaders Brentford host promotion-chasing Chesterfield, while Bradford and Gillingham are also in action.

Town will drop out of the play-off positions if Bradford avoid defeat at Bournemouth.

“Everyone will have had a big lift from getting back into the play-offs on Saturday and we would be in a very strong position if we are still there after tonight,” said Simpson.

“But it’s so tight up there that whatever happens, there is still a long way to go and things can change quickly.

“Everyone thought Wycombe were un-catchable a few weeks back and now they have slipped down to second.”

• Town reserves are in action at Port Vale tomorrow afternoon, with several first-team squad members – including Glyn Garner, Ben Herd, Michael Symes and Dave Hibbert – pencilled in for a run-out.

• Three of Town’s youth team squad – Jan Coulston, Welsh under-19 international Steve Davey and Dean Turner – have been released after being told they will not be offered pro contracts.

By JAMES GARRISON