Shorey Set For Shock Pre Season Return

Last updated : 15 June 2004 By Rob Cooper
Cool headed full-back Nicky Shorey could be ready for a first team return in August after a scan revealed he is making good progress in recovering from a foot infection.

The 23-year-old has been unable to kick a ball in anger for the past four months, but despite earlier fears that it may be Christmas before the infection subsided, Shorey could be fit for the start of pre-season training.

"Nicky's doing fantastically well and could make pre-season training with the rest of the squad. Over the last couple of weeks his progress has been fantastic," explained Royals physio Jon Fearn speaking to the official site.

Yet following a series of setbacks in Shorey's comeback crusade Reading fans will greet today's news with caution.

Despite the apparent optimism Fearn refused to overstate Shorey's chances of making a quick comeback admitting: "it's early days yet."

Indeed, Andy Hughes enjoyed a roaring end to the campaign filling in at left-back for the Royals number three so supporters will have no reason to feel disheartened if Shorey is not ready to make an August return to the team.

Meanwhile, crocked forward Nicky Forster should also be ready for first team action come the start of the season. The centre-forward is stepping up his rehabilitation programme following his April operation.