Marc Pugh and Paul Murray took a step on the Shrewsbury Town comeback trail after getting some much needed action in midweek.
Winger Pugh, back at the club after a month’s loan at Luton, and Murray both featured in a reserve team practice game against Crewe on Tuesday.
Town suffered a 5-1 defeat, but Pugh took his chance with the home side’s goal in his first outing since returning from his loan spell.
And Murray, now back in full training following his Achilles injury, played 45 minutes as he looks to build up his match fitness.
“We will have to ease him in to make sure there are no setbacks and I don’t want to rush it but the early signs are good,” said boss Paul Simpson.
Keeper Luke Daniels, meanwhile, is expected to be fit for Town’s home clash with Bournemouth on Saturday.
The on-loan stopper suffered a nasty facial injury that required around 15 stitches after he was clattered by Port Vale striker Marc Richards in scoring the controversial winning goal at the Prostar Stadium last weekend.
He also missed the early part of the week with a “dead leg” although he is sure he will be fit for the weekend.
Orient’s Sean Thornton played the last game of his month’s loan period on Saturday but talks were still continuing to extend this. However, Town would have to contribute more to Thornton’s wages which is likely to be the stumbling block.