Returning Shrewsbury Town duo win praise from Paul Hurst
Shrewsbury manager Paul Hurst has praised the reaction from Bryn Morris and James Bolton as both made an eye-catching return to his Town team.
Right-back Bolton made his first start for almost a month while former Middlesbrough midfielder Morris was handed a League One start for the first time since the opening day.
Both fared well against Bradford, as the duo fought their cases for a run in the side.
Bolton deputised for Joe Riley on the right of defence, while Morris was used in a deep-lying midfield role, allowing partner Ben Godfrey more licence further forward.
“I may possibly use it (the midfield set-up) in the future,” said Hurst. “Bryn, no disrespect to Ben, is better on the ball than Ben.
“Ben is better defensively than Bryn. It’s not a criticism of either but you have different skill sets.
“I thought Ben started the game against Bradford well in terms of running forward, pressing and showing his athleticism.
“Bryn, after maybe a couple of safe balls, started finding his range and battled away well. He gets on the ball and passes it well. Both can be relatively happy.”
After an impressive start to his debut League One season with Town, Bolton, 23, has had to contend with a spell on the bench recently.
But Bolton was recalled and played 90 minutes for the first time in five weeks. Both Bolton and 21-year-old midfielder Morris earned praise from Hurst – who is keen to seek reinforcements to his squad depth in January.
The Montgomery Waters Meadow chief added: “It can be difficult to come into a game like this but you’ve got to be ready.
“The physical work that the boys do, in terms of the running etcetera, is all guided not as a punishment, but so they’re ready.
“They’re always training with the group, sometimes the ones that haven’t played have extra.
“I thought Bolts was tired at the end, but understandably. Him and Bryn both lasted the game extremely well and that’s credit to the fitness side from the team behind us and themselves that they look after themselves and are ready to take the opportunity when it comes around – that’s part and parcel of football.”
