Morecambe boss targets reinforcements after captain injury blow

The Morecambe manager says he is looking to add to his squad following the news that captain Will Smith has had knee surgery.

Adam Lakeland’s side go into Saturday’s FA Cup encounter with Darlington having lost only once in their seven games, but currently the Shrimps have only four recognised senior defenders in their squad.

Smith was a key signing for Morecambe in the summer, as the 27-year-old followed Lakeland to the Halo Aerospace Stadium from FC Halifax Town, and has featured in nine National League North games to date.

Lakeland told Beyond Radio: “Will Smith has had some surgery and is going to be out for a period of time which is a big blow to us and to him, especially, as he was just getting in his stride and showing everybody what he is and he has obviously had a setback.

“He has overcome bigger setbacks than this and I know the type of character he is, he’ll be back stronger.

“I've relayed the need for more additions. We need to add one or two and we have been working on that - and we will look to bring in players at the right time.

“We need someone in at the back who can give us competition in place of Will and we probably need someone at the other end of the pitch as well.

“I think we have got better in recent weeks because the level of competition has been higher.

“Although the lads that are in the team at the minute are performing very well and giving us a lot, they need to be kept on their toes because we need to keep trying to win games.

Lakeland said he’s looking to strengthen in attacking areas too, after strikers Ronnie Blois and Alex Cherera both missed last weekend’s trip to Oxford City.

“We need players that are ready to go and if they are put into the XI, the XI is no weaker, and the players who are starting need to know that that player is capable of taking their shirt.

“It is important that we don’t knee jerk and bring in players that are not going to contribute.

“They need to be strong enough to start in our team or come into the team off the bench, so we just have a bit of work to do, and I am sure we will get something sorted.”