BURY manager Graham Barrow is set to move for a loan striker in a bid to lift his side out of their mini-slump.

Despite some good performances on the field the Shakers have picked up only one point from their last three games - two of them at home - and Barrow reckons a target man is a must.

Graeme Jones is the only recognised player at the club in that mould, but a troublesome calf problem has kept him on the sidelines for most of the season.

With that in mind the Shakers' boss is ready to bring in someone else with a physical presence to complement the other three strikers at the club, Dave Nugent, Chris Porter and Jon Newby, none of who are suited to the role.

"We definitely need a centre-forward to make us a better team," he said.

"I think someone strong up front would be the final piece in our jigsaw as we need someone to play off and help us get up the field.

"Graeme's injury is a problem for us as it is dragging on. He was brought in to do that job but if we aren't going to get him fit we'll need to get someone else in.

"We are still in a decent position in the league and we want to stay close to the top.

Midway through last season, when the club was in the middle of an eight game losing sequence, Barrow brought in big striker Jon Daly on loan from Stockport County and the young Irishman made a big impression with his strength and commitment.

With County in early trouble at the wrong end of the Coca Cola League One table ,it's unlikely they would allow him to return to Gigg Lane, but he's just the kind of player who would fit the bill.

"I thought about the situation last week but Saturday's game just compounded it for me," he added.

"All our strikers would benefit playing off a big man, we are doing alright with what we have but we want to go on and improve.

"Graeme's age is against him and the way it is going there has to be a doubt about him continuing.

"I have a few names of players who would be suitable and it's something I'll have to sort out with the directors."

Barrow was bitterly disappointed at Saturday's 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Scunthorpe United, especially as his side more than matched the league leaders.

"They were the strongest team we've played in recent weeks but I don't think they were better than we were," he said.

"If they are top of the league there is hope for us, we just need to get certain parts of our game right and stop shooting ourselves in the foot.

"We had the best chances and in a game like that you have to take them.

"Ironically, I threw down the gauntlet to the lads in midweek and told them they've got to become winners.

"Some people may not have rated me in my playing days but I won promotions and won at Wembley with teams.

"That's what our players have to look for because there is a chance to do something with this squad.

"We are playing entertaining football but we have to learn to take responsibility.

"Once that free kick went into the box for the winning goal, Danny Swailes should have made sure Andy Crosby didn't win his header, and Paul Scott should have made sure his man didn't get away.

"They should take it as an insult when that happens, that's the kind of attitude I want from the players."