Shrewsbury Town boss may turn to young guns

Turner admits he was caught out by a defensive crisis which has seen injury-hit loanee Julian Bennett return to Sheffield Wednesday for treatment. But before the extent of Bennett's back problem emerged, Turner chose not to take up the option of extending Lee Collins' loan for a third month.

Now Telford-born central defender Collins is back at Barnsley, while Bennett awaits the results of the second scan he underwent at parent club Wednesday.

It leaves Town with their resources severely stretched to negotiate five games in a fortnight next month before Turner can delve again into the market on January 1.

He says versatile teenager Connor Goldson, who last featured for the seniors at Newport County in the FA Cup over a year ago, heads the list of younger players under consideration.

"I can't do anything about it until January – that's one of the problems we've got to face. It's just unfortunate we've let Lee's loan lapse before we knew about Julian," admitted Turner, who handed West Brom rookie Cameron Gayle, 20, his senior debut as right-back in last weekend's defeat at Oldham.

"I wouldn't be averse to putting one or two of the younger players in. I've got young Connor and Ryan Woods has been doing well in the reserves and is pushing for consideration.

"I've also got Rob Purdie, Joe Jacobson and Jermaine Grandison who can all play in different positions."

Collins was restricted to 10 appearances after suffering from illness in the latter spell of his loan, while Bennett had made four starts before he was ruled out at Oldham.

"It's looking unlikely Julian's loan will be renewed. It doesn't look promising he will be with us after this weekend, which is a pity because he is a very experienced player. But we've got players who want to come in."

Town's players will be looking to boost morale after slumping to 22nd in League One when they head to RAF Shawbury today for team building sessions and military-style exercises.

The one-day boot camp has been organised as they face a blank weekend following their FA Cup exit.