Striker Nathan Elder has not given up hope of playing some part in Shrewsbury Town’s run-in – as he gears up for his return to the Prostar Stadium.

The 22-year-old, who failed to fire during the early stages of his Town career, has been on loan at AFC Wimbledon since January.

But their Blue Square Premier season ends next Saturday and Elder – a close season recruit from Brentford last summer – will return to his parent club with two games of their season still remaining.

“I will be back in training on the Monday after Wimbeldon’s last game so I will have a week to show what I can do to try and get a place on the bench or even start for the last two games,” said the former Brentford forward.

“I will just work as hard as I can and see what happens, but I’m really looking forward to coming back.”

Elder has scored three league goals in 11 starts for Wimbledon, and has also scored a handful of goals in local cup competitions.

And while he has recently had to settle for a substitute’s role, he has been happy with his loan move on the whole.

“There are a lot of players here out of contract so the manager (Terry Brown) wants to have a look at those which is understandable,” Elder added.

“It’s gone well and now hopefully I can come back and perform in pre-season at Shrewsbury.

“This season didn’t go as well as me or the manager (Paul Simpson) would have liked so I’ve probably got more to prove next season.”

The final two away games at Northampton next Saturday and at Port Vale on May 8 are both all-ticket to Shrewsbury fans.

By JAMES GARRISON