The centre-back search has become all the more important over the last week with injuries, knocks and niggles to all three first-team centre-backs in Harry Davis, George Ray and Jon Guthrie.

Steve told the press:  “With the left-back we’ve been trying for about four or five weeks on that and we’re getting closer but with two weeks to go we need to try and get something sorted on that.

“The centre half situation, George just felt his hamstring at Altrincham so there was no point persevering with him at the risk of making it worse. Jon picked up a tight groin in training but by the middle of this week he will join in again and obviously Harry is very close to maybe being available still as it’s only a little nick in his medial, we’re only talking about weeks.

“We could have all three back for the start of the season but we are still looking to strengthen in that department as it showed our weakness in that area with Harry and Jon injured and George having to come off after half an hour.

“It is something we’re looking at, as well as a left-back and we should get an answer on the goalkeeper shortly so hopefully all three of those will come together.”