Shrewsbury Town loan stars Waide Fairhurst and Jamie Devitt have both beaten a sickness bug in time for tomorrow’s crunch League Two clash at home to Torquay.

The pair have both spent most of the week laid low by the bug, which it is believed they caught while travelling down from Yorkshire together on Sunday.

But they both trained yesterday for the first time, and are expected to be fit as Town bid to exorcise the memory of last weekend’s FA Cup horror – when they lost 1-0 at home to non-League Staines.

“They both had quite a nasty chesty cough and they’ve been quite ill, but they’re young lads and they tend to get better quicker,” said boss Paul Simpson.

“They’ve done well for us so far and I’m pleased to have them back – we shouldn’t have to be relying on two young lads coming in, but they are both good footballers and they have made a difference.”

Fairhurst has arrived from Doncaster, while Devitt is on loan from Premier League Hull City.

Each has one goal from two appearances so far, and Simpson is eager to extend their stays beyond the initial month, which expires after next Saturday’s home game with Bury.

“It’s something we’ve talked about with both clubs, but we are in ongoing discussions,” added the Town boss.

“Hopefully we can do something.”

Town have fit-again duo Terry Dunfield and Omer Riza back in the squad tomorrow, both having come through the reserves’ 2-0 win at Macclesfield on Wednesday.

Transfer-listed Kris Bright scored his first goal for the club in that game as well, and Simpson insists it is up to him to continue to prove his worth.

“I think it’s been a tough week for everybody, staff and players, because when you have a result like we did last week everyone questions what you do,” said Simpson.

“You can go one of two ways – you can sulk or you can get your finger out and try to put it right.

“All the reserves showed a great attitude on Wednesdaay, but we shouldn’t have to ask them to do that – they are professional footballers and have a wonderful life.

“It’s up to them to make the most of it,” added Simpson.