Nathan Elder yearns for a crack at Shrewsbury Town

Striker Nathan Elder is eager to get the chance to line up against his former club when Shrewsbury Town make the trip to Edgar Street tomorrow.

A cruciate knee ligament injury put paid to Elder's Town career, the powerful forward eventually being released after almost a year on the sidelines.

But, after a trial at Luton and a short spell with Blue Square Bet Premier club Hayes & Yeading, he got the chance to return to League level at Hereford.

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The 26-year-old initially joined the Bulls on loan from Hayes & Yeading but made the move permanent earlier this month - and is now hoping to return to the starting line-up against his old employers.

"It was nice to agree a deal and get myself a bit of security," said Elder. "Hopefully I can finally get settled and try and do my job properly.

"With the injury it was very tough to see me playing in the Football League again and Jamie (Pitman) and Mr Peters (Hereford director of football Gary Peters, the ex-Town boss) have given me a massive opportunity.

"I've not been starting lately, I haven't played much in a while and I think they wanted to give me a rest, which I completely respect.

"But I want my starting place back and that's the hunger I think you need."

Hereford remain just five points above the relegation places and have struggled for form at Edgar Street, despite picking Nup decent results away from home.

"We've had patches where we have looked unbelievable but then we have gone on a couple of bad runs," added Elder.

"Some of that was down to a bit of bad luck, like conceding late goals.

"But we've tweaked a few things and I think that will start to show in the second half of the season."

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