RAMSBOTTOM'S on-loan forward Chris Willcock will be out of action for the rest of the season.

The Rossendale front man has an Achilles injury has been advised to rest.

"It is disappointing because we had him until the end of this month and I was hoping to keep hold of him until the end of the season," said boss Mike Kelly. "It is a bit of a blow."

It is not the Rams' strikeforce, however, which needs a boost. Kelly's side have been leaking goals and the club are lining up a swoop for Colne defender Gareth West.

"When they played here in the Lancashire Marsden Trophy he really impressed me but (Colne manager) John Lister said he had a suspension coming up but that finished this week. I am also looking at a striker who plays in the North West Counties and a midfielder from Cheadle."

The Rams are at home to Nantwich tomorrow and Mike Langhorn could be in line for a recall down the left side after several substitute appearances.

Former Rams keeper Stuart Heats could line up against his old club for Nantwich in what should be an entertaining game if Ramsbottom's recent form is anything to go by.

"The way we are defending at the moment we will probably have to score five goals to win!"