Luke will be a loss at the Moss

JOHN Askey admits his defence is down to the bare bones ahead of facing Wrexham in the FA Cup this weekend.

George Pilkington departed through injury in the first half against Dover on Saturday.

And with Luke Waterfall not eligible to face the Dragons on Friday the Macclesfield boss is hoping for good news on Will Haining’s calf problem this week.

“We’ll have to see who’s fit and who’s not. Obviously Luke can’t play, which is a bit of a blow because again he was terrific, and George will be struggling so we’re down to the bare bones.

“But with it being the FA Cup I know that whoever plays will be really up for it.

“Hopefully we can put a decent performance in because the cup can bring in much-needed revenue.”

Askey revealed he’s also on the lookout for a longer-term replacement for Waterfall, who’s been refused permission by parent club Scunthorpe United ahead of his return to Glanford Park.

The centre-back, right, who’s put in a string of sterling shows alongside Pilkington during his loan stay, will be eligible for the trip to Nuneaton on November 1 but can’t extend the loan beyond then.

There’s potential for 24-year-old Waterfall’s return in the New Year but in the meantime Askey’s search for reinforcements have drawn a blank.

“I was trying to bring one lad in but he’s gone to Alfreton and another one went to Lincoln,” he added. “We’ll keep trying, we need to do that with Luke going but, just like when we were after bringing in a forward, it’s got to be the right person.”