Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper Chris Neal is on course to make a return from injury for tomorrow’s concluding pre-season friendly at Tranmere Rovers.

Neal has been sidelined for the last fortnight with a thigh problem missing a number of games, but returned to training yesterday.

And he looks likely to have the chance to stake his claim for the No 1 jersey in next week’s season-opener against Burton Albion at Prenton Park tomorrow.

“Chris is back in training and should be fine for tomorrow,” said Simpson, who revealed right back Dean Holden could be a doubt for tomorrow with a slight knee niggle.

“Graham Coughlan tried to train on Tuesday and Wednesday but still had some slight soreness.

“We won’t take any risks on anybody but I’ve no doubt he will be ready for the Burton game.”

Glyn Garner and Mike Jackson are both still on the casualty list, but striker Dave Hibbert is set to continue his rehabilitation with an outing as part of a young Shrewsbury XI in action at Shawbury.

Simpson, meanwhile, has pledged to stay patient in his bid to add new recruits to his squad ahead of next week’s big kick-off.

The Town boss has so far been unable to strengthen his squad since last week’s departure of Grant Holt, and saw his attempts to sign Dagenham forward Paul Benson fail.

“There is progress but there is nothing I can make public at the moment,” he added.

“We have made enquiries about a number of players and hopefully something will come off.

“I could go out today and sign six or seven players but that is not how we want to do it.

“We want to make sure we bring good players into the club to make us better.”

l Places on the coach for Tranmere tomorrow are available with the Official Supporters Club (Ian Venables on 07981 593 437) or with the Away Travel Club (Chris Smith on 01952 604742).