Let's get ready to rumble...

7:52am Friday 8th August 2008

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MORECAMBE boss Sammy McIlroy says his Shrimps face a really tough start to their second season as a Football League side.

But the manager believes his men can prosper and perform well on Saturday when they make the trip to Wycombe Wanderers.

The bookies have a quiet fancy for Wanderers, who are managed by former England under-21 boss Peter Taylor - but McIlroy says: "Every game is tough.

"We found out last season that this is a hard league.

"But we also know what we are about."

McIlroy is likely to field at least six of his new summer signings for the game and says: "The lads who have been here for a while have done an excellent job.

"But I want to take this football club to the next level and that means freshening things up.

"It is a tough start with Wycombe and then Forest away in the Carling Cup but that is where the extra experience comes in."

Strike star Diarmuid O'Carroll should be fit after a week's rest for his ankle, but Michael Howard (hamstring) is out.

And McIlroy received a boost when FA chiefs ruled that Scott Davies will serve a one reserve game ban for his sending off in Tuesday's pre-season match at Kendal.

The game was classed as a reserve team friendly.

Dangerman Scott McGleish and Mike Williamson are injury doubts for Wanderers.

Keep logged onto thelancasterandmorecambecitizen.co.uk for full coverage from Adams Park on Saturday