CHRIS Casper is hoping to keep on-loan striker Glynn Hurst at the club on a permanent basis.

The Shrewsbury man has been a revelation in his temporary spell at Gigg Lane - scoring four goals in his first three starts.

Now the Bury boss is hoping showdown talks requested by the striker this week will pave the way for a longer deal.

Goalpoacher Hurst has asked for assurances from Shrews boss Gary Peters that he has a future in the first team when he returns to the Gay Meadow after the Shakers' home game against Boston on October 21.

He had fallen behind Derek Asamoah, Michael Symes and Andy Cooke in the pecking order after picking up an ankle injury on the last day of last season, and was loaned out last month to regain his full fitness.

But Peters has been non-commital on Hurst's future in Shropshire, leaving Casper poised to pounce with an offer.

"There is a chance he could stay, but it is not my call," he said.

"It is down to Gary Peters to decide whether or not he wants Glynn back at Shrewsbury, but I will do everything I can.

"He has made a terrific start here, and I would love to bring him to the club on a longer deal, perhaps permanently."

Hurst has made an electrifying start to his Bury career, scoring in each of his first three starts and helping Casper's side push their way back up the League Two table.

Based in Cheshire, Hurst is travelling to training with Dave Challinor and Colin Woodthorpe, and has adapted well to his new surroundings at Gigg Lane.

"Glynn settled very quickly," said Casper. "You find with goalscorers that they can be very hit or miss, but with him, as we found with Danny Reet last season, he has started scoring goals straight away.

"With Andy Bishop also scoring goals, it's a great situation to be in."

The nationalised South African, who has also had spells at Stockport County, Barnsley, Chesterfield and Ayr United, can figure in two more league games on his current contract before returning to Shrewsbury.

He could, however, sign an extension to the loan deal which could see him remain at Gigg Lane for a further two-month spell.