Boss Paul Simpson has urged his improving Shrewsbury Town squad to “stay professional” as they bid to build on back-to-back League Two wins.

Simpson admits recent victories over Crewe and Lincoln have reduced the likelihood of any new arrivals at the Prostar Stadium in the immediate future.

But he insists work is carrying on behind the scenes, and they will be ready to act during the loan window should injuries or loss of forms make it necessary.

“We’ve had a decent run, which gives you a bit of breathing space,” he said.

“But all the coaches have been out looking at games and taking in as many as we can, and we’ve put together a database of players in case we have to act quickly.

“I’m happy with the squad I’ve got and the 18 we had on Saturday have done a good job.

“We’ve just got to keep going and be as professional as we have been in the last few weeks and hope the results keep following.”

Town’s ranks have been depleted by injury in recent weeks, though the treatment room is slowly starting to clear.

Midfielder Craig Disley (knee) has resumed training and has been pencilled in to appear for the reserves in their trip to Port Vale tomorrow evening (7pm).

Goalkeeper Chris Neal (groin) has also resumed light work and Simpson is hoping to arrange a friendly next week to give him an outing.

One man who will feature against Vale is trialist striker Nathan Hodge, who is training with Town this week.

Hodge, 20, plays for Ludlow Town in the West Midlands League and also for Church Stretton in the Shrewsbury Sunday League.

His prodigious goalscoring rate has alerted Shrewsbury to his talent, and Simpson has been impressed by what he has seen so far.

“He seems enthusiastic and wants to show us what he can do,” Simpson added.

“It’s happened many times before that a player has come out of non-League and there’s been a number of top players who were missed early on.”

By CHRIS HUDSON