Keith plays it cool over his talisman Vaughan...

KEITH Hill won’t risk handing “talisman” James Vaughan extra game time to find a solution to Tranmere’s recent goal drought.

Rovers are fifth, four points off an automatic promotion place after this goalless draw against Gary Bowyer’s playoff hopefuls.

Vaughan returned from an 11-game lay-off after knee surgery in the 1-0 midweek defeat at Walsall.

And the 21-goal, one-time Everton star enjoyed 23 minutes more action as a second-half substitute.

“I have got to be cautious with James Vaughan,” said manager Hill as Rovers failed to score for the fourth time in five games.

“I was concerned at one point when he hit the deck and he sprung up grabbing his knee. We have got to be careful with him but he is a talisman.

“I am not that type of person who flogs someone for the sake of it. I would rather sacrifice myself.”

Hill added: “Both teams were desperate to win but there was not enough quality in the final third.

“Three points would have been magnificent but I am really positive about the performance.”

Tranmere went close to a return to winning ways during a brief hectic spell in the second half.

Paul Lewis’ 61st-minute left-foot shot hit the ground and bounced on to the top of the bar.

Danny Lloyd then almost punished Ash Eastham’s carelessness on halfway but the ex-Salford player was denied by Vaclav Hladky and then a defensive block.

Salford, watched by part owners Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, have the division’s best defensive record but haven’t always got it right at the other end.

Ex-Rochdale favourite Ian Henderson had City’s best chance but his header was well saved by veteran Joe Murphy. Salford are 11th but just one win away from the top seven. “There is a lot to play for,” agreed Bowyer.

“At the start of the day we were four points off, now we are three points off. So, it is going to go all the way.

“We are making progress towards the top seven. When I came here we were six points off, now we have reduced it to three with five games left to play.

“The lads are giving everything and it is just that last bit we need to keep working towards.”