Zak Jules poised for a surprise Shrewsbury return

The 20-year-old centre-back is set to play his first competitive game for Shrewsbury after returning ahead of schedule from a serious hamstring tear suffered while out on loan at Chesterfield.

The young Scot was impressing with the League Two Spireites in the autumn, where he featured six times before tearing up to 90 per cent of the leg muscle.

But Hurst revealed Jules’s recovery – under physio Chris Skitt – has exceeded expectations, and hinted that he will be involved for Town against Blackpool in tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy round of 16 contest.

“Zak’s worked extremely hard with Skitty,” said Hurst. “He’s back in full training ahead of schedule.

“That’s not us rushing it, Skitty has spoken with the surgeon and done all of the testing that is very thorough.

“He’s come through with no reaction at all, so in terms of playing 90 minutes that won’t be too much of an ask. He could well be involved tonight.”

Jules was just a month or so into his loan at the Proact that was initially due to run until mid-January.

Hurst reckons first-team league football could be some way off for the summer signing from Reading, and suggested another loan could be an option.

Hurst added: “In some ways, yes (he’s like a new signing), but I still think Zak’s a little bit away.

“Nothing is set in stone regards to a plan for him. I’m quite open-minded. It might be a loan to get him some games and give him the best chance of being ready for us if called upon.

“That’s something we’ll monitor for the next few weeks or month.

“He went to Chesterfield and did well. They were very pleased. Alright it’s a league below, but it’s still a good standard of football. I think that’s a good indication.

“Zak would probably admit it was a bit of an eye opener coming here with how hard we worked.

“Going elsewhere reaffirmed what was expected of him. He knows what is expected, I’m sure he wants to be part of the club and squad.”