Morecambe stopper Barry Roche is back in full training, handing the League Two strugglers a timely boost.
The 36-year-old has been out of action since the end of October, but the shrimps official site now reports he’s back on the grass and ready to pick up where he left off.
Former Shrewsbury keeper Mark Halstead has deputised in Roche’s absence, but he’s likely to step aside now the number one is fit again. He’s told how he’s now delighted to be back in action and is ready to help Jim Bentley’s side once again avoid finishing in the bottom two.
“It was hard work because I’ve been out for so long but it was excellent to be back out there. I’m absolutely over the moon, it feels like it’s been a long time since I’ve been out there with the lads and it’s been really frustrating.”
He also spoke of his frustration at being ruled out for what should have been a routine injury lay off.
“Nobody could get to the bottom of what was going on with my wrist, I had two scans, two or three injections and nothing seemed to work. I ended up seeing a specialist who I believe is the main man in the country for wrist and hand injuries, I had it operated on and thankfully it’s worked out.”
The Shrimps are third from bottom in League Two, only a point ahead of Macclesfield in the final relegation spot. They’ve got one win in their last 14 matches and face tough trips to Oldham and Port Vale, before league leaders Lincoln City pay a visit.
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This, sadly, could be their season to bow out of the league.
Jim Bentley has done a remarkable job with his side over the years, keeping them in the league when far bigger sides have tumbled out, but eventually that’s going to come to an end.
Roche is going to be back in the sticks and that’ll be a boost, but unless he’s got fifteen goals up his sleeve as well, it might not be enough.