MIDFIELDER Ryan Finnigan is back at Southampton for rehab on his ankle injury he suffered in training for Shrewsbury Town.

Shrewsbury manager Matt Taylor provided an update on where the loanee's recovery currently stands and when he will likely return for the League One side.

The 20 year old joined the Shrews on a season-long loan on deadline day and featured three times for the Shropshire side before suffering the setback.

Shrewsbury Town boss Taylor said: "He is back at Southampton and we anticipate he will be back available at some time in January.

“He has been a big miss as well, he has been a really big miss. I like Ryan as a footballer, it was his second loan having been at Crewe last season.

“We knew what we were getting. He understood the rigours of first-team football. It is not anybody’s fault it is just the way it has dropped, unfortunately.

“We have not been able to use him, so it has been really difficult as there are quite a few players on my injury board who I have been unable to use and call upon."

The midfielder will miss the busy Christmas period but Taylor insisted the League One outfit do not have an exact return date for when he will become available.

He continued: “He had surgery, and it is a difficult one, he is back with Southampton doing his rehabilitation down there.

“As and when we get a confirmed date, I will let you know when we are expecting it, but I don’t think it is imminent unfortunately.”

His last appearance for the club came in Shrewsbury Town's EFL trophy penalty shootout win against Brighton under-21 on September 19.

Saints will be hoping Finnigan can get some valuable minutes on the pitch in 2024 after he made 16 appearances on loan at Crewe Alexandra last season.