McCann is granted room to manoeuvre by McCullough
DONCASTER ROVERS manager Grant McCann is targeting a new attacking midfielder after sanctioning Luke McCullough’s move to Tranmere Rovers.
Northern Ireland international McCullough has joined the Wirral outfit on loan until January 2, providing Rovers with room for manoeuvre to bring in another player in the middle of the park on a temporary basis ahead of the deadline on August 31.
McCann said: “The Ali Crawford injury has left us a bit short in the midfield area, definitely.
“Issam Ben Khemis has started to come to the party now. He is looking good. He has been a bit frustrated during pre-season in terms of match time and picking up a head injury in training and fighting his way back to fitness.
“Over the past week or so he has looked sharp. He is knocking down the door to be involved.
“But I still believe we need something in there that is going to be a little bit different to what we have.”
McCann is demanding an immediate response from Rovers after their 100 per cent record was ended in disappointing fashion with a limp 1-0 weekend reverse at Burton.
McCann, whose side start a three-match run of games at home in league and cup tonight, added: “We are looking for a reaction after the disappointment at the weekend. We have watched it back and learned from it, and we are ready to put things right.
“We have set high standards and have ironed things out and are all on the same page.
“Things have been sorted in training and the cohesion that might have been missing before will be there. DEFENDER Liam Lindsay is confident that Barnsley can succeed in their promotion quest at the first time of asking – if their squad stays intact.
The Reds have repelled significant interest from a number of clubs regarding several key players so far this summer, including Lindsay.
The Scot was recently mentioned as a shock target for Serie B outfit Brescia, but insists he is “happy and settled” at Barnsley.
The 22-year-old, part of a Reds’ back four who have already made history by recording consecutive clean sheets in their opening three league matches of the season, said: “I am happy here and these rumours happen every year and you do not know if anything is in it.
“Nothing has come of it and I am happy and settled here.
“There are two (main) players who have left and a couple who have been linked (elsewhere).
“A couple of the boys have said that we have a really good squad which is capable of going up and if we all stick together. I do not see why that is not possible.”
Meanwhile, head coach Daniel Stendel says that the Reds may target some attacking additions before the loan deadline on August 31.
Barnsley have been linked with a move for Aston Villa attacking midfielder Callum O’Hare.
Stendel said: “We will see what we can do to improve our possibilities in the offence.”
Tonight’s game sees Barnsley lock horns with former manager Keith Hill and one-time Oakwell players Matt Done, Jim McNulty and David Perkins.