Kris Bright set for Shrewsbury Town return

Delighted Shrewsbury Town striker Kris Bright has made an ahead-of-schedule return to full training.

And the Kiwi forward believes he is on course to be fully fit for the League Two season opener against Bradford on August 7.

Bright has been an absentee from the start of full pre-season training after having shoulder surgery in the summer.

But he has now taken a giant stride towards regaining full fitness.

"Yesterday was my first day training with the lads so I'm very happy," said Bright.

"I'm not as strong as I could be with the shoulder but it's great to be back out there taking full part.

"When I first had the surgery in mid-June, the suggestion was I would be out for 12 weeks.

"But the medical team here of Nathan (Ring) and Danielle (Hinves) have been working so hard since the operation so to be back fully training weeks ahead of schedule is fantastic.

"Hopefully when we play Tranmere in a friendly (on July 31) I can play some part in that and I'm sure I will be fine for the first game."

Strengthen

Manager Graham Turner was today completing the build-up for next week's trip to Devon where Shrewsbury will take part in the Joma South West Challenge Cup.

Full back Dean Holden and young striker Tom Bradshaw will both be assessed ahead of that trip as they are both suffering from minor thigh niggles.

Turner's pursuit of further signings continues, and he this morning confirmed he had not given up hope of adding another new recruit later today.

"There could be something this afternoon but we have thought that for a few days," said the Greenhous Meadow chief.

"We still need to strengthen the squad but there are still a lot of players who are available and not made up their mind for next season."

Reports in Yorkshire claim Shrewsbury could be close to sealing a deal for Huddersfield winger Lionel Ainsworth.

The 22-year-old played under Turner at Hereford.

By JAMES GARRISON