Powerhouse midfielder Joss Labadie will remain at Shrewsbury Town until the end of January at least, it has been agreed.

Labadie joined Town for a second loan spell from West Bromwich Albion at the start of the season for an initial 28 days just days before the start of the season.

But manager Paul Simpson has reached an agreement with the Baggies for the 18-year-old to stay at the Prostar Stadium for a further five months, although the Championship club do have a recall clause.

That provides a welcome tonic for Town as news emerged that midfielder Craig Disley, another summer signing, faces three weeks on the sidelines.

The former Bristol Rovers man suffered medial ligament damage in Saturday’s 3-1 triumph at Accrington Stanley.

“The original fear was that Craig would be missing for over a month so the results today are good news,” said Simpson.

Shrewsbury find themselves short of midfielders with Terry Dunfield – who is due to see a specialist again today – facing up to three months out with a dislocated shoulder.

Simpson has made clear he is keen to strengthen his squad after being struck down by a glut of injuries.

He has until 5pm today to complete signings, although the window for loan transfers re-opens again next week.

Meanwhile, defender Kelvin Langmead is hoping Saturday’s long-awaited goal at Accrington – his first since finding the net in the 3-3 draw against MK Dons in March 2008 – will open the floodgates.

“Not scoring has been a monkey on my back so I was delighted to get one,” he said.

“As a defender, you have to be looking for four or five goals a season and to go a whole season without scoring was very disappointing.

“I felt it was something I needed to add to my game.

“I got a couple pre-season which set the tone and gave me some confidence and hopefully I can kick on from here.”

By JAMES GARRISON