AS Wanderers search for strike options in the light of Jermaine Beckford’s injury, Dougie Freedman admitted the thought of recalling Tom Eaves from his loan at Shrewsbury had crossed his mind.

Even though the young Liverpudlian’s second spell at the Greenhous Meadow has not been as prolific as his first, there have still been some encouraging reports working their way back to the Reebok from the League One club.

Eaves scored six goals in 10 starts for the Shrews last year to earn a first-team run with Wanderers.

Things have proved a little tougher this time around, but with Beckford ruled out for the next three weeks with a hamstring pull, Eaves was one of the first names to come to mind when it came to a replacement.

“It’s something we have discussed a couple of times but we have got to look longer term with Tom,” Freedman said.

“For the good of his future I think we need to keep him playing at his best.

“I can’t guarantee that if I recall him I’ll be playing him every week. I simply can’t do it. So therefore he’s back sitting on the bench or getting 10 minutes here and there.

“It is not the objective I want to reach. I want to get to the point where Tom is a regular in the team.”

Eaves scored on his first game back for Shrewsbury against Stevenage in November but has gone without a goal in his last seven starts for Graham Turner’s team, currently two points above the relegation zone.

Today he faces Rotherham, for whom he made nine appearances at the start of the season on loan, scoring once.