Shrewsbury Town striker Nathan Elder has revealed a pep talk from manager Graham Turner is helping him along the long rehabilitation road from serious injury.

Elder is continuing his recovery from summer surgery after sustaining cruciate ligament damage in his knee during his loan spell at AFC Wimbledon last year.

And he has revealed a conversation with boss Turner has ensured his spirits are remaining high.

“It’s horrible not being involved but I have had some good discussions with the new manager and he seems a really nice guy,” said Elder.

“It’s been like a breath of fresh air at the club with the backroom staff he has brought in.

“From a personal point of view, he has just told me to focus on getting myself fit and to make sure I keep myself around and involved with the squad.

“It’s great, especially when a new manager comes in, to hear that and to know that he isn’t going to forget about you even when you are out for a long time with an injury.”

Scenario

Original estimates suggested Elder would be ruled out of action for nine months.

That would have seen him sidelined until February but the 22-year-old striker is confident he is ahead of schedule.

“It’s coming along well and the signs are good at the moment,” he added.

“I’m able to do some work in the gym and I’m getting more flexibility in the knee.

“I think the nine or 10 months estimates is the worst case scenario.

“You have to be very careful with these injuries but I’m confident I will be training again in November or December.”

Meanwhile, former Town captain Graham Coughlan has joined Southend United on a one-year contract as player-coach.

By JAMES GARRISON