Shrewsbury Town star striker Grant Holt is set for a quicker-than-expected return to training following summer surgery.

The welcome update was delivered by manager Paul Simpson today, with Holt progressing well from an ankle operation.

Early indications were that the 28-goal hitman would not be ready to re-join full training until at least the middle of July, but that timetable has now been brought forward.

“Grant’s doing well and is just trying to get rid of the last bit of swelling on his ankle,” said Simpson.

“We are looking into the prospect of him going to Lilleshall for the week of intense rehabilitation they do there because we have been very impressed with the work they have done with Mike Jackson and Chris Humphrey.

“At the moment we are hoping Grant will be able to start jogging when we start back on July 1, and then hopefully be ready to join in fully in the second week.”

Of the other players to require summer operations, both Shane Cansdell-Sherriff and Chris Humphrey – should he sign the two-year contract extension on the table – are both expected to be ready to start pre-season with their team-mates.

And the same applies to defender Mike Jackson after a knee injury ruled him out of the closing months of last season.

Simpson, meanwhile, has again stressed he is likely to run without an assistant manager for the new campaign.

The departure of John McMahon to Liverpool leaves Stuart Delaney as the only remaining coach, with Dave Timmins brought into work alongside the goalkeepers and Simpson seeking one more recruit.

“I am looking to bring in a part-time strength and conditioning coach and we are speaking to people about that,” he added.

“My plan at the moment is to go without an assistant manager and I’m sure we can do that with the right staff in place.”

By JAMES GARRISON