Shrewsbury Town’s Toto Nsiala will play on through the pain
Toto Nsiala has won praise from Shrewsbury boss Paul Hurst for playing through the pain barrier with his broken cheekbone.
The powerful defender recovered from the injury sustained at Rochdale to start for Town in last Sunday’s Checkatrade Trophy final at Wembley, where he wore a mask.
The mask cracked, making it difficult for him to see, so he discarded it while playing on and is set to do the same at Bradford tomorrow night.
“Full credit to him for one, being prepared to give it a go and, two, then playing on without the mask,” said Hurst.
“People often question players, whether they’re willing to go through the pain barrier and he certainly was.
“It wasn’t working. You can’t blame him for not seeing the ball correctly if something’s covering your eyes.
“We’ve got another mask heading up. I’m not sure when it’s due here. He understands any risks of playing without it. He’s willing to pull on the shirt.
Alex Rodman has recovered from back spasms to come through training successfully and is in contention for a first start since March 24. Hurst had been frustrated by the winger’s injury.
“He’s trained the last couple of days and looked like he is,” the boss said. “I saw some information on him saying he’s a little bit sore but he’s definitely a lot better than what he had been. It’s a step in the right direction.
“I’ve got some decisions to make.”
