Goalkeeper Chris Neal could miss Shrewsbury Town’s high-profile pre-season friendly with West Brom tonight after breaking down in training.

The young keeper, a summer signing from Preston, suffered a thigh injury yesterday and could now be rested for a few days to ensure he is fit for the start of the season.

That could hand an early opportunity for Andreas Arestidou to stake his claim to the jersey, the teenager having joined from Blackburn Rovers during the close season.

“Chris has just got a bit of tightness in his thigh,” boss Paul Simpson revealed today.

“It’s not too serious, but it might be the case that we have to rest him just to make sure it’s right.

“If later tonight Nathan (Ring, the club physio) tells me we have a problem and need to rest it, then I will have no problem in leaving him out.

“It would give Andreas a chance and would be a good opportunity for him as well.”

Town have a third keeper on their books in the form of Glyn Garner, but Simpson revealed he has also been sidelined since the resumption of training by a shoulder injury.

“He hasn’t been able to do any work with us yet, but he came back to us yesterday for some rehab work and Nathan is hoping he’ll be able to join in training in the next seven-to-10 days,” the Town boss added.

“Simpson believes the Baggies will offer a good test for his side tonight as they step up in class after clashes with Blue Square North duo Northwich and AFC Telford.

West Brom were relegated from the Premier League last season, and are renowned for their attractive, passing brand of football.

“They pass the ball about and it will be a good opportunity for us to work on keeping our shape and trying to nullify the threat they’ve got,” said Simpson.

“On the other side, it’s a game where we will be looking to keep the ball and pass it better than we have so far.”

• Former Town loan ace Luke Daniels has signed a new two year contract with Albion – and has been sent on a season long loan to Tranmere in League One

By CHRIS HUDSON