Shropshire Star

Dave Edwards pushing for ‘special’ Shrewsbury Town bow

Dave Edwards is determined to make the matchday squad for his Saturday Shrewsbury homecoming against Charlton.

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The returning midfielder did not make his second Shrewsbury debut at Port Vale last night and is instead targetting an emotional Montgomery Waters Meadow introduction to the home fans.

The 32-year-old has played no competitive football for Reading this season after picking up medial ligament damage.

He is in training though, and joined his Town colleagues for a first session yesterday, with a view to at least making Sam Ricketts’ substitutes bench against the Addicks.

“Hopefully I can train this week and make that matchday squad,” said former Wales international Edwards.

“That’s my first aim. I’ve missed a lot of football this year, it is going to take time to get back to the level I want to be at.

“I can do that in training and getting minutes here and there.

“Hopefully I’m in the squad. It’ll be a special day for me and my family.

“My grandad was a massive fan, he passed away a few years ago, but he’d be so proud that I’m back here.”

Despite not playing this season, Edwards still feels in fine fettle and knows he will need to be at his best to break into Ricketts’ midfield.

“It’s not come here to wind down,” he added. “I’m 32-years-old, I don’t feel I’ve lost any of my psychical capabilities I’ve had in my career.

“I still hit my numbers in training and things like that. I want to come here and try and improve the squad.

“We’ve got a very talented midfield here and first and foremost I need to get fitter.

“I need to get my fitness up and force my way into the team. Once I do get a chance I need to keep my place.

“I know it’ll be tough but that pressure is what I need to perform at my best.”

Meanwhile, Town are due to sign Crewe Alexandra midfielder Brad Walker – and loan him to Ricketts’ old club Wrexham.

Town are on the verge of completing a deal for the 23-year-old, who spent the first half of this season on loan at Wrexham.

He featured heavily under Ricketts, before he left them to become Town boss last month.

It is understood Salop will immediately send Walker back to the Racecourse Ground for the rest of the season in order to abide by the FIFA ruling that players can not play for three clubs in one campaign. Walker has played for Crewe and Wrexham already this term.