Manager Paul Simpson believes Shane Cansdell-Sherriff’s summer surgery will be the catalyst for the Australian returning to peak form, writes James Garrison.

The former Tranmere Rovers man, who can play either left side of defence or in midfield, began his first season at the Prostar Stadium strongly.

But he was forced to play a bit-part role during the second half of the campaign, with the now departed Neil Ashton winning the race to replace Marc Tierney at left-back following his departure to Colchester.

But Simpson is hoping the ankle operation Cansdell-Sherriff underwent a fortnight ago can inspire an upturn in fortunes for the versatility player.

“I thought Shane started last season very well,” said Simpson.

“He had a really good pre-season and began the League games very well.

“For whatever reason – and the ankle may well have had something to do with it – he seemed to lose his way a little bit.

“I don’t think we have seen the best out of Shane on a consistent basis and hopefully this operation will set him up for a really strong season.”

Town, meanwhile, continue to be linked with a move for Brighton’s out-of-contract forward Jake Robinson as Simpson works towards adding further summer signings to the arrival of midfielder Craig Disley.