Appleton wants more signings before window shuts

Shrewsbury Town boss Michael Appleton says he is still looking to strengthen his squad but is unlikely to do so before the first match of the new League Two season on Saturday.

Appleton has made seven signings this summer but has lost striker Max Mata to injury for next few months.

Town will open the new campaign at home to Bromley at the weekend hoping for a much more positive season following their relegation last term, when they finished bottom of League One.

Appleton is happy with his squad but says is would like to bring further players in at some stage.

"Probably not before Bromley, but certainly towards the end of the window things naturally happen," he told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"If things do happen and players leave to get minutes at other clubs then obviously we'll look to get fresh impetus into the group."

Appleton added he "wouldn't rule out anything at this stage" in terms of looking at potential targets

He explained: "You've always go to be prepared for players to leave - you might even get bids come in for your players - but I think between now and [transfer deadline day] 2 September I don't see massive movement, but I think there will be a bit to allow us to do some work."

Filling the gap left by Mata could be one area Appleton looks at, with the New Zealand forward likely to be out for a while with a hamstring injury suffered in training.

"It looks like he's going to be out for a couple of months at least," Appleton said.

"It's a blow for him and for us. Unfortunately, in training, he pulled up quite sharp and I don't think it's going to be a short one - it looks like it's going to keep him out for a while."