Shropshire Star

I haven’t got a big squad, insists Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Hurst

Paul Hurst is keen to banish the myth that he has a big squad at his disposal as injuries begin to take their toll.

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The Shrewsbury chief welcomed Carlton Morris back to the bench against Southend on Tuesday after a hamstring complaint but lost fellow forward Stefan Payne to an ankle injury during the first half.

James Bolton (knee) missed out for the League One pace-setters, meaning a return from a lengthy lay-off for Joe Riley, while Junior Brown played on after picking up a knock.

Midfielder Bryn Morris (also knee) is a week from returning to training after not featuring since the opening-day victory over Northampton.

Hurst said: “I said to the players that I don’t want to be whinging about missing players.

“As a manager I expect Skitty (Chris Skitt, physio) to have at least two players with him most weeks through the season, occasionally it’ll be more or maybe less.”

After rolling his ankle against the Shrimpers, Payne’s injury will be monitored before Saturday’s trip to Oldham. Hurst has concern as it is the same foot he suffered a metatarsal break last season. Hurst commented on the size of his squad and depth of options.

“In an ideal world we’d have got a left-back in,” he added there’s no getting away from that.

“I’m not sure if I’ve got it wrong or it’s in my head, but I think there’s a feeling that we’ve got a big squad. No offence to the younger pros but in terms of proper players we haven’t got a big squad.

“At the minute I’m not having to leave anyone out of the squad. If we can get everyone back and a clean bill of health I’d maybe leave two out.

“That’s not many. We haven’t got a massive squad. I’m sure we’ll be tested but I know we’ve got a good medical team and they’ll do everything they can to get the lads back out there.”