John back in action and ex Tottenham midfielder on trial
John Marsden makes his comeback from injury for Shrewsbury Town reserves in this afternoon's Central League clash with Wigan Athletic at the Greenhous Meadow (2pm).
Marsden has not played since breaking a bone in his foot in the Capital One Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers on August 6.
But manager Graham Turner said the striker has been looking good in training and that he will take his place in a side also featuring trialist Dean Parrett, a former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder.
"We've got John Marsden making a comeback after his injury," confirmed GT. "He looked very sharp in training and smashed a few goals in during a little practice match yesterday so I'm looking forward to that.
"We'll finally get Tamika Mkandawire and Dave Winfield together at the back in a game. There will also be one or two players that need game time, a mixture of the pros and the young lads so it will be interesting.
"Dave McAllister will play and Alex McQuade too."
GT added he was keen to take a closer look at trialist Parrett, 21, who has spent the last week training at the Meadow.
"He was at Tottenham and has played for England at under-16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 level so he's got a good pedigree," he said.
"He was released by Tottenham at the end of last season but I think he played against us for Yeovil last year in our 2-1 defeat down at their place so we will have a look at him.
"He can play off a front player but he's a midfield player with a decent pedigree.
"It's very difficult for a player just to turn up and play a match without having got to know any of the players he's going to be playing with so Dean has been with us since last Tuesday and has looked okay in training.
"He's a good passer of the ball with a good range of passing so we'll see how he does."
GT added he expected a good test for his side against a Wigan team currently top of the Central League.
He said: "Wigan should provide us with stiff opposition and it's a nice game for us. I love the reserve matches, there's no pressure on, and I want to see the young players putting in performances and improving week in week out so I do enjoy watching our reserves."
Admission to this afternoon's game is £3 adults and £1 concessions while season ticket holders, Sovereign Club members and Super Blues Club members will be admitted free.