Luke Rodgers in Shrewsbury Town return

The 30-year-old striker today sealed a return to the club who handed him his Football League debut as a teenager back in April 2000 – as forward Terry Gornell joined Rochdale on loan.

Rodgers will initially be on loan until a permanent deal is put in place in January, extending his stay at the Greenhous Meadow until the end of the season.

The Birmingham-born frontman, who is set for his second Town debut at Leyton Orient tomorrow, was a hugely popular figure with supporters with his committed style. He made over 250 apperances and scored 73 goals before departing for Crewe in 2005.

A prolific strike rate saw him hit 22 goals in the 2001/2002 campaign, while he still managed 20 when Town were demoted to the Conference a year later.

Rodgers also has a track record of finding the net at a higher level, scoring 12 times for Port Vale (2007/2008) and claiming 13 in a short stint at Notts County (2009/2010).

"Luke is a goalscorer. I just feel his movement and ability might spark something in the penalty area for us," said boss Turner.

"Scoring goals has been a weakness for us. But Luke will add that bit of expertise in the box and he has the sharpness to get in for chances."

After spells in US football with New York Red Bulls, where he partnered Thierry Henry in attack – and Norwegian outfit Lillestrom, Rodgers joined financially-stricken Portsmouth three months ago.

"It looked as though it was working out for Luke at Portsmouth but then he was left out of the side," added Turner. "But he did play in the FA Cup last week, so he will be ready for us at Orient.

"He's a lively character who has got a bit to say. The fans know him well enough and we just hope that he reproduces the sort of form he managed the first time around."

Liverpudlian Gornell departs on loan having failed to find the net in 13 appearances this term after hitting double figures during 2011/12 following his move from Accrington.

He links up again with his former Stanley boss John Coleman at Spotland.