Morecambe striker Cole Stockton is in line to return to the side against Wanderers this weekend, Derek Adams has confirmed.

Stockton was absent from the squad during last weekend’s 1-0 defeat against Fleetwood, with former Bolton man Arthur Gnahoua leading the line.

But the 28-year-old is set to be involved against the Whites as Morecambe aim to boost their survival chances.

The Shrimps currently sit 20th in the table – only above the relegation zone on goal difference at this stage.

The club has also faced issues off the pitch this season, and Adams has called on the ownership to sort out a proposed takeover in order to bring much-needed investment to the first team.

While Stockton’s return is a boost, Burnley loanee Michael Mellon could miss out after picking up an injury against Fleetwood.

“Michael is struggling and is a doubt for the game,” Adams told the Lancaster Guardian. “However, Cole will be back in the squad and we have missed him.

“He’s the focal point in our team, he’s one who takes others out of the game and he can score goals as well. He’s a big player for us.”

Adams knows it will not be easy against Wanderers but hopes his side’s extra time on the training pitch this week will pay off.

“We’ve got a difficult game against a team that are riding high at this moment in time,” he added.

“They had been on a fantastic run before losing at Portsmouth, which we had a scout at and I watched on the TV.

“It was a difficult game for them. I thought Portsmouth put them under a great deal of pressure, which they were going to do because they were at home.

“Bolton do have an abundance of talent to choose from. They changed their team on the night and it’s something they have done over the last month.

“We go into the game coming off a free midweek this week, so that will hopefully energise the players for Saturday.”

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