Omer Riza is on course to add an extra dimension to Shrewsbury Town’s attacking options by returning to full training in the next fortnight.

Riza has been absent since mid August with a serious ankle injury sustained at Dagenham not long after he had signed a new contract.

But the former Turkish B international’s rehabilitation has progressed well and he is nearing a return to full fitness.

“Omer is doing really well,” said manager Paul Simpson. “He has been running this week and is feeling fine so we are hoping within a couple of weeks, Omer will be back in full training.”

That will come as a huge relief to Riza who has seen his career stall over the last 18 months with a lengthy ban imposed by FIFA swiftly followed by this injury setback.

Simpson also had encouraging updates on two other long-term injury victims.

“Craig Disley’s knee is coming along fine and we don’t think it’s going to be as long as we first thought,” added the Town chiefs.

“He looks to be about four weeks away from returning and Terry Dunfield’s shoulder is looking really good.

“We are not looking at an imminent return with Terry but he is ahead of where we thought he would be at this stage.”

Goalkeeper Glynn Garner, however, is likely to be ruled out for a minimum of a further three months after having a shoulder operation last Wednesday.

Meanwhile, SImpson has revealed the delayed suspension of Joss Labadie has forced him into a change of plan for Saturday’s League Two derby with Port Vale.

Labadie was due to miss Tuesday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy trip to Accrington Stanley.

But the fact the game was postponed means the 19-year-old, who has already scored five goals this season, will now be forced to sit out a League encounter.

“It’s a blow for us and for Joss,” added Simpson. “Even before the Morecambe game last week, I had in my mind what I wanted to do against Port Vale so that will now have to be changed.

“But it provides an opportunity for whoever comes into the team.”

By JAMES GARRISON