Hurst disappointed to lose Abs for rest of the season
Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Hurst has admitted that it is a big blow to lose Abu Ogogo until the end of the season.Ogogo has been leading the side out in recent weeks and has put him some stellar performances in recent weeks.
Paul admitted that he will be a big miss, but wished him a speedy recovery.
“We’ve had the results back and it looks like he’s going to miss the rest of the season”, Paul told ShrewsWeb.
“It’s a big blow for us because he’s been a big player since I came in and he’s had the Captain’s armband in recent weeks, so it is a blow for us.
“It’s good news one sense that it’s nothing more serious that is going to impact on next season, but at the same time everyone would rather he was available for us now.
“We knew it was something bad. When the incident happened he stayed down for a little while and since I’ve been here I’ve not seen him do that.
“So, it’s disappointing for us certainly, but we will have to get on with things without him.”
Hurst was quick to praise the character of Ogogo and sees him as a very important part of the group.
“If anyone can get back sooner it’s Abs”, said Paul.
“In terms of doing his rehab and when it gets to those points where you have to go through a little bit of pain to push yourself I’m sure he will do that 100%.
“That type of character is what you want and he will be missed, but it’s a chance for someone else. Abs will certainly be willing the lads on and will still be part of the group particularly around the training ground, so he certainly won’t be forgotten.
“We’ll take care of him as best we can and I want him to still be part of what we are trying to do and he’s that type of character that gets on with all the other lads, so we want him around.”
Attention will now turn to Ogogo’s replacement and Paul believes both Bryn Morris and Ryan Yates are capable of making an impact.
“They are the two obvious lads to compete for that place in the team”, said Hurst.
“They are both young players. Bryn is slightly more experienced, probably the more technical of the two. Yates is a young boy who is really enthusiastic.
“I think the lads have taken to both players, they have both been made to feel part of it and I think both are enjoying a different environment for themselves.
“Both have got fantastic attitudes and hopefully one of them, both of them, can show the fans that they are good players too and if they can make the loss of Abs feel very small for us then they will have come in and done a very good job.”
Abu is out of contract at the end of the season but the Gaffer was quick to mention that he’s planning to sit down shortly with Abs to discuss the future.
“We will get that sorted in the not too distant future about plans, i’ll talk to Abs and see what we can do”, said Paul“It’s good that he’s not going to be out longer with knees it can be long term so it’s good news in some way.”