Hibbert makes sharp Shrews start

Dave Hibbert has already scored against Burton and Ipswich this season

Shrewsbury Town striker Dave Hibbert is back on song after summer physiotherapy to cure his long-standing foot injury.

Having scored in both Town's opening two games this season, Hibbert has helped make light of the summer departure of 27-goal Grant Holt.

And he puts it down to his own key summer date with a London osteopath.

"It was pretty painful. But it's a great relief to have it sorted. It had been going on for nearly a year," Holt, 23, told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"I'd rest, come back, and aggravate it again.

"But the problem turned out to be my back, which was making my foot land funny. And I had to have them broken down and reset.

"I was actually worried for the future. But I've been down to London to see this guy who's got it sorted.

While Dave Hibbert's performing like he is, then others are going to have to wait

Shrewsbury boss Paul Simpson

"I was booked in for an operation but that was the last resort. And when I went to see this guy he said if I'd had an op I'd have been back to square one after two months."

Hibbert missed Shrewsbury's pre-season build-up with the injury.

And he had only managed a couple of youth team outings before being thrust into Town's League Two opener against Burton Albion as a late stand-in when summer signing Kris Bright's international clearance came through too late.

But now, following his goal in the 3-1 win over Burton and then another in the midweek 3-3 Carling Cup draw with Ipswich, Hibbert is the man in possession.

And, having responded with two goals in two games, boss Paul Simpson has already confirmed that he will remain up front for Saturday's trip to Barnet.

"While he's performing like he is, then others are going to have to wait," said Simpson.

"He was struggling with his foot injury but he's worked hard to get himself right and has responded fantastically."