Simpson swoops for keeper cover

Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Simpson today swooped to sign goalkeeper Steve Phillips on a month's loan from Bristol Rovers – after seeing Chris Neal ruled out for four weeks.

Experienced custodian Phillips has played more than 150 games for Rovers since joining them in July 2006 from Bristol City.

The 31-year-old also played over 300 games for the Robins and will stay with Shrewsbury until September 29.

His arrival is a timely boost for Simpson, after Neal was ruled out this week following an ultrasound scan that revealed a muscle tear.

In a bad few days for injuries, striker Omer Riza has also been ruled out of action for three months and was today going under the surgeon's knife to treat his ankle.

"Chris has had a sore groin for a week or two now, but we thought he could settle down," said Simpson.

"He felt a lot better at the weekend and we've nursed him through training.

"But our doctor did an ultrasound scan on Monday and found there was a small tear in the muscle so we can't take any chances.

"I'm delighted to be able to get Steve, who is a vastly experienced keeper and knows this league. He's always been part of successful teams."

Simpson has two other keepers on Town's books but Glyn Garner is still injured, while Andreas Arestidou has been deemed too inexperienced.

"Glyn broke down in training again last week with the same shoulder injury," he revealed.

"And I just think it's a little bit too early for Andreas, even though he's done very well."

On Riza, who picked up his injury in the 5-0 defeat at Dagenham last Tuesday, Simpson added: "It's a big blow to lose him for such a long period of time, especially when we originally only thought it would only be eight weeks."

Meanwhile, Simpson has received one piece of good news, with left-winger Lewis Neal cleared to make his first appearance of the season in tonight's reserve game at home to Derby.

Neal has been out since suffering an ankle injury in the pre-season friendly against Tranmere.

"From what I've seen of Lewis, I think he can be a big player for us," said Simpson. "If he's okay tonight, he will come into the reckoning straight away."

Reserve line-up: Andreas Arestidou, Danny Taylor, Kevin McIntyre, Will Richards, Harry Hooman, Connor Goldstone, Jake Simpson, Terry Dunfield, Andre Grey, Kris Bright, Lewis Neal. Subs: Thomas Dix, Wayne Farmer, Jon Taylor, Tom Bradshaw, Hakan Duyan.