Shropshire Star

Joe Riley could return for Shrewsbury Town at Doncaster as Paul Hurst explores options

Shrewsbury boss Paul Hurst hinted Joe Riley may be in line for an instant return at Doncaster tomorrow.

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And the Town chief added that it may be time to shuffle his pack as the fixture list intensifies, with Town players running on empty at the end of Saturday's energy-sapping tie with Blackburn.

Riley had started the previous two games on his return from a broken leg, but summer signing James Bolton – himself returning from a slight knee complaint – was given the nod as Riley missed out of the 18.

Bolton caught the eye with a fully-committed display and was one of a handful of players struggling with cramp at the death.

Hurst revealed Riley was already ahead of schedule. He said: "It was a tough decision that was made. I spoke to Joe before the game.

"With having Ben (Godfrey) out there, although he came off late on, I just felt we have cover for the bench.

"I explained that to Joe and he fully understood that. He obviously wanted to play.

"But Joe's time will come. He's already played the last two games in advance of where he should've been."

The boss added: "Tomorrow night may be Joe's turn. I'll have to give it a lot more thought.

"There's others not involved that have played their part or will play their part.

"It's going to be time soon, I feel, to call upon those."

Town played in front of a crowd of 8,202, one of their largest home attendances since Montgomery Waters Meadow opened in 2007.

"Overall it was a fantastic effort," said the boss. "When you speak to fans at the ground and most clubs around, you ask them what they want to see from their team, they want to see a group of players with the shirt on giving everything.

"Because most people in that stand would give an arm and a leg to have that opportunity."