MORECAMBE face a search for substitute professionals after they were rocked by the news Mark Orchard needs to return to New Zealand.

The classy Kiwi jets off Down Under after the Chorley match on August 20 after his state, Northern Districts, summoned him back for an operation on his hip.

"It's a big blow for us," says Morecambe skipper Phil Dennison. "Mark has been doing really well recently but this injury has been long-standing and Northern Districts want to get him right in time for the New Zealand season.

"We are disappointed that he has to go back because one of the advantages of signing a New Zealander is that the seasons don't clash and we expected Mark to be here for the duration.

"But he needs the operation and there is nothing we can do about it."

Orchard will miss the final four games of the season, including the derby at Lancaster on August Bank Holiday Monday.

"We will look around and get sub pros," adds Dennison.