Joe Riley makes return to Shrewsbury full training
Joe Riley has returned to full training as he builds up his fitness ready for a Shrewsbury Town return.
The full-back has been out since the final day of last season, where he broke his fibula and sustained ligament damage in the clash at Oxford United.
But after an intense summer of rehabilitation working closely with physio Chris Skitt, the 25-year-old has finally been able to join in Paul Hurst’s training sessions.
Riley, alongside on-loan Swansea man Dan James, were put through their paces prior to Town’s win at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday, working hard with fitness coach Elliot Turner.
“He started training Thursday and Friday,” said Hurst on Riley, who then joined the travelling Town away fans for Shrewsbury’s second straight league win.
“We had an odd number in terms of our rooming list (at AFC Wimbledon) so I felt it was right to bring Joe down and let him feel part of it.
“He did some work at the start of the game like everyone saw.
“He will be doing most of the training now but he will also be doing extra in terms of trying to catch up.”
Riley’s right-back rival James Bolton, signed from Gateshead this summer, did a stellar job at Wimbledon in his best display in a Shrewsbury shirt to date.
Hurst added: “Joe’s still quite a bit of a way off in terms of fitness but it was just great to see him fly into a couple of tackles on Friday which is always a good sign that mentally he’s certainly heading in the right direction.”
Hurst signed James Bolton during the summer and said earlier this month that he hopes Riley will thrive on the competition.
“I want competition all over and once Joe’s back fit we’ve certainly got that at right-back,” said the Meadow boss.
