Lincoln City forward Tom Hopper is back from injury as the Imps edge closer to a play-off campaign.
Hopper featured in Lincoln’s defeat to Hull on Saturday after he replaced Anthony Scully in the 78th minute.
The experienced striker sustained a hamstring injury in March but is making a speedy recovery and he is “looking forward” to the exciting end to the season.
Hopper is recovering well from his hamstring tear and he has been prone to injury in the past. He said: “I’ve had it before when I tore my ACL. This was a walk in the park compared to that.”
It is never easy to return to the pitch after an injury no matter the severity. The striker says that he puts trust in his work in the gym, the physios and the medical team.
When asked if the injury will sit in the back of his mind, he said: “The quicker you put that out of your head, the better, and the better place you’ll be coming back onto the pitch.”
West Bromwich Albion loanee, Callum Morton, has filled Tom Hopper’s tough lone-striker role during his absence.
Hopper said: “It’s probably a role that he’s not had to do before but it’s one he’s taken to brilliantly.
“It can be a bit of a lonely role at times, especially when you come against three defenders in a back five.”
With Shrewsbury Town having nothing to play for, they are able to play with freedom which makes them “dangerous” as Appleton said.
Play-offs are looming but Hopper and the squad are focused to get the job one. Hopper said: “You have to beat who are in front of you and that’s all you can do.
“We’re not there yet, we’ve got to put some more points on the board and if we can do that sooner rather than later, the better.”
Despite Hopper’s eagerness to return, Imps boss Michael Appleton is hesitant to bring him back too early.
When asked if Hopper and Bridcutt could start against Shrewsbury, Appleton said: “They could. Whether that’s the sensible thing to do, I’ll make that call over the next 48 hours.
“The last thing I want to do is play them tomorrow, over-risk it and then all of a sudden they’re not available for the next three games.”