Transfer-listed Shrewsbury Town striker Nathan Elder was today set to make his AFC Wimbledon debut after joining on loan for the rest of the season.

The 24-year-old target man went straight into the Dons’ squad for their Blue Square Premier clash at home to Mansfield Town this afternoon.

Elder only signed for Shrewsbury in the summer, making the switch from Brentford for an undisclosed fee and penning a three-year deal on the eve of the season.

But he has been unable to establish himself at the Prostar Stadium, scoring twice in just 11 appearances for Paul Simpson’s side.

“It is a good opportunity for Nathan to go out and get some football under his belt,” said Town boss Simpson, who was hoping to guide Shrewsbury to a third consecutive away win at Burton today.

“It hasn’t quite worked out for Nathan with us as yet so hopefully this will give him a little boost.

“This might now give us the opportunity to get some more new faces in to bolster the squad for the second half of the season.”

Simpson hopes he may not now have to sell before making a move to strengthen his Shrewsbury Town squad. He had previously believed he would have to move bodies on in order to make room for new faces during the January transfer window.

But positive discussions with chairman Roland Wycherley have put a different light on matters.

“It’s certainly not a case of having to sell first team players,” said Simpson, who was hoping his side could extend their run of away wins to three at Burton this afternoon.

“The chairman is saying to me that if the right one is out there, then let’s go and get him.

“He says he wants to support the football club and back us to try and be successful and, as a manager, that is all you can ask for.

“It’s not a case of spending a million pounds though, we will never spend more than we can afford. That is what makes this a strong club.”

Despite his optimism about being able to strengthen, Simpson is also eager to continue his policy of promoting from within.

By Chris Hudson