Grimsby boss unsure when Luton striker McAtee will return to the Mariners

Grimsby Town boss Paul Hurst isn’t sure exactly when he will get Luton forward John McAtee back to Blundell Park to continue his loan spell with the club.

The 23-year-old was signed by the Hatters back in August after a season in which he starred for the Mariners, scoring 16 goals as they returned to the Football League following a 2-1 play-off final win over Solihull Moors at Wembley.

He picked up a shoulder injury in the opening day defeat at Leyton Orient and although it didn’t prevent Town boss Nathan Jones going through with the deal, agreeing to loan him back to his former side for the rest of the campaign a dislocation diagnosis saw him miss the last three months.

However, McAtee was back earlier in the week with a run-out for the Hatters’ Development squad, as he scored twice in a 3-3 behind-closed-doors draw with Stevenage.

When asked when he expected him to be available for Grimsby, who also have Luton forward Aribim Pepple on loan for the season, Hurst told BBC Radio Humberside: “I'm pleased that he is back to playing and has got some minutes under his belt.

“But, he is not back here and won’t be available to us for the next few games.

"We’re not going to get too carried away, but it is a step in the right direction.

“We don’t know when exactly he will be back training with us, but we’re in dialogue with Luton, and we’re having regular conversations with them because he is getting closer to being ready to return.

“There are no plans for him to be back as early as next week.

"We’ve exchanged messages with (McAtee), and he said he doesn’t feel as sharp at the moment, but he should probably understand that he won’t feel as sharp, considering how long he has been out.

“Regardless, he would’ve been pleased to get back out there and score a couple of goals.”