Injured Town duo in Blackburn test

Thursday 10th December 2009, 12:21PM GMT.

STFC player Craig Disley Craig Disley and Lewis Neal, two of Paul Simpson’s headline summer signings, will step up their return to full fitness against Premier League opposition next week.

The pair have suffered injury ravaged openings to their first season with Shrewsbury Town, managing just six starts each to date.

Disley, who signed from Bristol Rovers, has been troubled by a knee problem while calf and ankle injuries have restricted the availability of former Preston and Carlisle winger Neal.

But both are scheduled to play some part in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Blackburn next week as the pair attempt to make themselves available for Town’s Christmas programme.

“Craig is coming along well and and we are hoping Lewis will join in training with us at some point this week,” said Town boss Paul Simpson.

Goalkeeper Chris Neal is pencilled in for a return to training on December 22 as he continues to recover from a broken finger, but Glynn Garner and Mike Jackson are expected to be sidelined until well into the new year.

Manager Simpson will be forced into at least one change for Saturday’s home match with Grimsby with left-back Shane Cansdell-Sherriff suspended.

The Australian has collected five bookings, the latest coming in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth.

Kevin McIntyre is favourite to fill the void, although Simpson also has the option of using Steve Leslie in that position.