ACCRINGTON Stanley boss Paul Cook is trying to sign a defender in time for tomorrow’s trip to Swindon after being left with only one fit centre half, writes Chris Flanagan.

Sean Hessey and Tom Bender have both missed recent games because of injury and Aristote Nsiala, on loan from Everton, has now been ruled out of the clash with Paolo Di Canio’s Swindon because of a hernia problem.

That has increased the urgency of Cook’s search for signings, with the Reds needing to find a centre back partner for Dean Winnard.

“We’ve only got one centre half and I don’t think you can play games with one,” Cook said.

“Toto looks like he’s got a hernia problem so he’s gone back to Everton to have a look at that.

“We’re going to have to desperately try to get someone in.”

“On Tuesday the lads put in a real performance in terms of effort and commitment. I felt we tired a little bit in the last 15 minutes and that led to us losing the game. But when you can see problems it can give you something to work on.

“We won’t give up on the play-offs and getting promotion.

“Our successes will come.”