Shrewsbury Town defender Danny O’Donnell has set himself a target of a return to full fitness before the end of September.

O’Donnell began the season as a first choice centre half before being forced to relinquish his place because he required a hernia operation.

But the 24-year-old is now on the road to recovery and is hoping to give manager Graham Turner a further selection option within the next three weeks.

“The recovery is going really well at the moment,” said O’Donnell.

“I was able to start working on a bike for the first time yesterday and was back up mingling with the lads at the training ground which was fantastic.

“I’m hoping to be back in full training in the next couple of weeks and be back in contention putting pressure on the lads in the team for the Wycombe game (on September 25).”

After a strong start to the campaign, O’Donnell admitted the timing of the operation wasn’t ideal — but he had little option.

“I was feeling tight groins in pre-season in a couple of games I played but I just thought that was the usual aches of pre-season,” he said.

“The pain subsided a bit but the problem came back after the Macclesfield game and during the Aldershot match I realised I wasn’t doing myself justice and I wasn’t helping the team.

“I started the season well but, at the same time, I wasn’t 100 per cent fit.

“The medical people say players who have this operation usually come back feeling much stronger so hopefully that will be the case.”

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury’s second round trip to Bury in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy will take place on Tuesday, October 5 at 7.45pm.

Admission will be £6 adults and £3 concessions.

• Former Shrewsbury winger Jake Simpson has linked up with his father and ex-Town boss Paul Simpson at Stockport.

By JAMES GARRISON