The Shrimps boss has identified exciting Southport prospect Mark Duffy as a potential signing but McIlroy needs to find space for him in his squad.

And that is at a premium with Adam Yates and Michael Carr both returning from loan spells this week to push for spots in the side.

Duffy has caught the eye at Haig Avenue and is tipped to follow Carl Baker to Christie Park sometime during the season.

McIlroy rates Duffy, 22, as a player in the mould of Baker.

He said: "We are interested in the boy but people have to leave the club first. I have to get people out on loan or people out on permanent deals and I am still working on that."

Another player now in contention for a regular spot is teenager Aaron Taylor who came off the bench for his League debut on Saturday and set up the equaliser in a 2-2 draw.

Taylor was in contention for a start at Chester in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last night, Tuesday, especially with fellow striker Diarmiud O'Carroll suffering a slight dead leg in training.

Several players were coming back to full fitness this week with both Danny Adams and Mattie Blinkhorn set to play for the Reserves at Macclesfield tonight, Wednesday.

Also set to feature were Carr, who has returned from Northwich where his loan was hit by a chest virus, and Yates, who is back from Burton Albion.

One player leaving Christie Park is winger Dan Smith who has returned to Plymouth having failed to make an impact during his spell at Christie Park.

McIlroy said: "He has great ability but his size was a bit of a hindrance. He is trying to build himself up and we will monitor that situation in the future."

McIlroy is keen to bring in Duffy but has to balance the need to send players out on loan with a busy October when Morecambe have three midweek matches.

The Shrimps began the month with Saturday's 2-2 draw with Chesterfield, a fourth successive draw and another game McIlroy felt his side could have won.

"We wanted to win and we thought we did enough to win. We had another great chance to win it but they just seem to be going wide of the post for us at the moment.

"We are still making chances and I just think that once we get a win we will kick on from there. The spirit is fantastic, there is a real never-say-die attitude."

The Shrimps travel to Gillingham on Saturday, the Gills having lost 3-0 at Exeter on Saturday.

"Gillingham were one of the favourites to go straight back up again and we know it will be another tough game for us."