Shrewsbury Town injury victim Nathan Elder insists there is “light at the end of the tunnel” as he makes progress from his long-term lay-off.

The 25-year-old has been absent since suffering serious cruciate ligament damage to his knee while on loan at AFC Wimbledon in April.

Elder remains some way off making a return to full training with February a likely comeback date, but has been encouraged by the progress he has made in recent weeks.

“There is still a long way to go but it’s getting there,” said the former Brentford frontman.

“I’ve started to do a bit of jogging and it’s a case of trying to kill two birds with one stone – getting the strength back in my knee and building my fitness back up.

“There have been a few occasions where I have been able to be on the training ground doing my jogging at the same time the rest of the squad have been out there doing their work, which has been a big boost.

“There are some dark moments when you have got a long-term injury and there are times you wonder whether you will get back.

“But there is certainly some light at the end of the tunnel now.”

Elder admitted the response of the remainder of the squad, manager Graham Turner and the management team has been crucial during the rehabilitation.

“A lot of the lads have been asking how it is going which has been really, really good and the manager and staff have been the same,” he added.

“That shows you the type of character the manager and staff have got.

“I haven’t worked with them before, but they are still taking the time to check on me which they haven’t got to do and it’s been appreciated.”

By James Garrison