Morecambe striker picks up plaudits from Shrimps' boss

Morecambe boss Derek Adams has praised Liam McAlinden for his early performances as the club prepares for a big week at home and on the road.
Morecambe striker Liam McAlindenMorecambe striker Liam McAlinden
Morecambe striker Liam McAlinden

Having been beaten 5-0 by Cambridge United at the weekend, the Shrimps host Newcastle United on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup third round.

They then travel to Roots Hall on Saturday to face a Southend United team bottom of League Two after losing their opening two matches and failing to score in either.

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Injuries to Cole Stockton and A-Jay Leitch-Smith have seen McAlinden thrust into the central striking role, having spent last year plying his trade in the National League.

He impressed in the wins against Cheltenham Town and Oldham Athletic but his status as the club’s only fit senior striker raises the question as to whether the Shrimps require reinforcements at the top end of the pitch.

“Liam has done really well for us” Adams maintained.

“A-Jay hasn’t played this season but he’s started training and Cole Stockton will hopefully be back soon. We will assess and see where we are from there.

“Liam did really well at Cheltenham. He could have scored and he set up the (winning) goal for Carlos Mendes-Gomes.

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“He set up the one on Tuesday night for Aaron Wildig (against Oldham), so that tells you something about his play; it’s not all about scoring goals.”

As Adams acknowledged after the Cambridge defeat, Morecambe were poor at both ends of the pitch after an encouraging start to the season.

He said: “I think, in the first four games, we’ve done really well.

“It wasn’t like us for many reasons. Not one of us put in a good performance and they know that.

“Collectively we weren’t very good at all and allowed Cambridge to get the scoreline they did.”