The disappointing defeat at home to Rotherham on Saturday has reinforced just how difficult the start to Morecambe's second season in the Football League is going to be.

And, with Bury having started the season with two victories, Sammy knows his side must work hard to turn things round at Gigg Lane.

The manager said: "We always knew the second season was going to be tough and that we had a difficult start. We have no need to panic after just two games but we do need to get things right quickly.

"We are working on a system to get us a result at Bury and I am also trying to get another couple of players in. I'd like to have one of them at least by the Bury game. We had more possession than Rotherham and as many chances but we didn't have any real cutting edge in the final third and that's what we need to address.

"We were also disappointed about our defending for their goals – even though their fullback scored two the likes of which he'll probably never score again."

Striker Diarmuid O'Carroll, McIlroy's summer signing from Celtic, is now clear of a slight ankle injury and will be available to start if selected.

"The lad is champing at the bit and desperate to get onto the pitch now so that does give us another option," McIlroy said.