MORECAMBE boss Jim Harvey has moved to bring an end to his striker crisis by bringing in semi-pro international Ryan Sugden.

Harvey has been hunting for a player to bolster his front line for some time amid a host of calls from fans to add extra goal power to the Shrimps line-up.

And he says he is delighted to sign a player of the calibre of former Chester City favourite Sugden.

The player has also had spells at Oldham and Scarborough and only left Chester for fellow Conference side Burton Albion during the close season.

Deva Stadium boss Mark Wright was, in fact, hoping to sign him back up to lead his forward line with Darren Stamp but Harvey moved in to sign Sugden at the eleventh hour.

Harvey says: "We just snatched him out of Chesters grasp and we are delighted to bring him in. He will do a very good job for us."

He goes on: "I thought he was the best forward Chester had last year. I couldnt believe it when he was released in the summer and went to Burton. I am delighted that a player of his calibre has become available."

It is thought that the Sugden deal involves a straight swap for Robbie Talbot, who left Christie Park to join Albion in the summer after a season wrecked by injury.

And Harvey says that the signing may not be the last as he tries to bolster his squad for a realistic tilt at the Nationwide Conference title.

"He might not be the last players we bring in," he hinted this week.