Shrewsbury Town today received a welcome fitness fillip with a positive bulletin on Jake Simpson.

The right winger’s full Football League debut came to a premature end shortly after he thumped a shot off the bar in the closing stages of the Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Bradford.

There was concern for Simpson after he had taken the full force of the ball in the face earlier on, and was wearing an oxygen mask in the aftermath of the game.

But fresh checks on the first year professional this morning revealed no major problems

“Jake complained that his hands were feeling numb and there was some sort of nerve issue which caused some concern,” said manager Paul Simpson.

“He was a bit sore on Saturday night but seems okay this morning, though is still a little groggy.”

Boss Simpson, meanwhile, has urged his side to remain upbeat in the wake of Saturday’s first home League defeat of the season.

Town hit the bar twice in the final quarter of the game as they pushed for a leveller, with Bradford boss Stuart McCall conceding his team were fortunate to head back to Yorkshire with all three points.

“We have to take heart from the way we went about it because, barring the two goals, I thought we played very, very well,” said Simpson.

“Anybody who has got any sense and has been at the game will see we have gone about it the right way.

“It’s still disappointing but the only other League defeat we had this season was at Dagenham and there were no positives.

“On Saturday there were a lot of positives to keep believing in. We have to keep going and keep working. If we play like that and create the same opportunities, I’m confident we will win more than we lose.”

Town reserves are in action at West Bromwich Albion tonight.