Askey’s forward thinking

JOHN Askey’s bid to boost his attacking options may have been unsuccessful but the Macc manager still has irons in the fire.

Askey was told he can bolster his squad shortly before the defeat at Lincoln but hadn’t secured a target man as the Express went to press.

“I’ve made a lot of enquiries and we’ve been watching a few players but we can’t afford to rush into anything,” said Askey ahead of Tuesday’s Altrincham derby. “We won’t bring someone in just for the sake of having an extra body, we have to get the right person. I’ve got one forward that wants to come but his club won’t allow it because they’re worried about suspensions.

“We’re still looking at one lad from the Premier League, one from the First Division and one from our league, so we’ll see.”

Meanwhile right-back Andy Halls (right) has been brought into the England C squad to take on Turkey on October 14.

“He deserves his call-up, he’s been terrific,” added Askey. “Some doubted him before the season started but he’s experienced and younger than people think.”