Shrewsbury Town skipper Ian Sharps today returned to full training – braced for a battle to regain a starting berth.

Sharps has missed the last 10 days with a hamstring problem suffered in the 2-0 home victory over Barnet.

That injury has cleared up – and the former Tranmere and Rotherham centre-half is delighted his frustration is over.

The 30-year-old has missed the excellent 2-1 League victory at Crewe and Saturday’s harsh 2-0 defeat at Southampton in the big FA Cup first round tie.

“I wasn’t too far away from being ready for Southampton , but it just came too soon,” said Sharps.

“We decided to give it one more day yesterday but I’m training today and really looking forward to it.

“It’s horrible being out injured because you don’t feel part of it.”

Sharps has been a model of consistency but loanee Exodus Geohaghan and Shane Cansdell-Sherriff have impressed in his absence.

“There is competition all over the field and no guarantees for anyone, so I have got to work hard in training and hopefully be in contention for Stevenage on Saturday,” he added.

While the Sharps injury has cleared up, other Town players remain on the treatment table.

“David Raven, Tom Bradshaw and Kris Bright are still a week or two away,” boss Graham Turner said.

“Lionel Ainsworth had a slight groin complaint yesterday which is being assessed.”

As the dust settled on Town’s FA Cup exit, Shrewsbury are facing a blank Saturday on November 27.

“Winning is a habit and I wanted to be in the next round on that Saturday rather than having a free weekend,” Turner added.

“But we have to recover now and get ready for Stevenage on Saturday.”

By JAMES GARRISON