Captain Ian Sharps is pencilled in for a Shrewsbury Town comeback tonight – as concern continues that striker Tom Bradshaw could miss the start of the season.

While Sharps is set to play some part in this evening’s latest friendly at Kidderminster Harriers (7.45pm), Town are waiting for news over the seriousness of Bradshaw’s knee problem.

The striker – who turns 19 tomorrow – suffered the injury in the first half of Friday’s pre-season friendly victory over a Wolves XI at the Greenhous Meadow.

Bradshaw was sent for scans at hospital yesterday and Town were today waiting for the specialist’s report.

“It’s looking like a cruciate ligament problem but it doesn’t appear to be a tear at this stage,” said Town boss Graham Turner.

“We are keeping our fingers crossed.”

Town will be desperate for positive news on Bradshaw as they aim to begin the season with a four-rponged strikeforce fighting for two places – the Welsh under 21 international joined by James Collins, Marvin Morgan and Terry Gornell in the battle for striking berths.

Meanwhile, Sharps has provided Shrewsbury with a boost after by declaring himself ready to play a part in tonight’s penultimate pre-season friendly at Kidderminster.

The centre half has been missing since limping out of the behind-closed-doors friendly at Tranmere a fortnight ago with a groin niggle, but came through training yesterday and will feature in the visit to the Blue Square Bet Premier outfit.

Meanwhile, Turner – who is expected to make a final verdict on trialist duo Carl Regan and Matt Richards in the next few days – is confident the decision to reduce the number of substitutes from seven to five for next season will have minimal impact on his plans.

“I think it was done to fall into line with the Premier League,” he added.

“It kept more players involved in the matchday squad, but I think you still get an adequate choice with five subs.”

By JAMES GARRISON