Double fitness boost for Shrewsbury Town

Positive news also comes in the shape of forward AJ Leitch-Smith and midfielder Ian Black, who have also returned to training this week after setbacks.

Micky Mellon's side have enjoyed a free week's training ahead of the visit of high-flying second placed Scunthorpe United in League One.

And they will be relieved as popular full-back Brown looks set to be involved on Saturday.

Brown, who is widely regarded as one of Town's most consistent performers this term, picked up a nasty ankle injury in training last Friday and was forced to sit out the trip to Bury.

But after a scan revealed the ankle injury was not serious, Brown has been participating in parts of training with the first-team and completing running sessions.

Wide midfielder O'Brien was one of Mellon's marquee additions in the close season but has been sidelined since his last start - the home victory against Chesterfield - despite playing through a knock for half an hour at Sunderland.

The former Coventry man has been struggling with a groin problem that made him miss a large chunk of last season after undergoing surgery.

On the boost, Mellon said: "It's great news that Junior could be in contention because he's so big in what we're doing.

"He's a talented boy and has been playing very, very well and scoring goals for us.

"Jim O'Brien's trained today, we'll see what the reaction is to that because Jim is a player I rate very highly as well and we have big plans and hopes for him to make us a better team."

Despite the positives, Town are likely to be without key duo Riley and Toney, after both picked up knocks at Bury last weekend.

Toney took a whack on his ankle in the first-half at Gigg Lane, but remained on to score his third goal for the club.

Full-back Riley, who was returning to his former Bury home, has picked up a knee injury and was sent for a scan on Wednesday. The club are awaiting results to see the extent of the problem.