Morecambe boss Bentley: Some players have played themselves into starting 11

Morecambe boss Jim Bentley says there are players who have played themselves into his starting 11 at Hartlepool on the opening day of the season.
Jim Bentley.Jim Bentley.
Jim Bentley.

The Shrimps boss however insists the full team is far from picked and is concentrating on getting his whole squad ready for what is set to be another testing League 2 season.

Morecambe are unbeaten in their four pre-season games after a 1-1 draw against Bury on Friday night with the new campaign getting underway on August 8.

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Bentley said: “We’re going to be have to be lucky with injuries because we have got a small squad.

“But I’ve got faith in all of the players. They’re looking fit, strong, and there’s a good spirit.

People can talk about what might be the strongest 11 but it’s about keeping everyone fit and well and getting the likes of (Paul) Mullin and (Adam) Dugdale back and being able to rely on the squad throughout the season.

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“It is a long, hard slog and form does go up and down and you do get suspensions.

“There are people who have played themselves into a starting place at Hartlepool but until we get a couple or reports on them and we know what we’re going to come up against then it’s about getting minutes in, building up good habits and when that opening game does come round we’ll go with a team that we think is best to win that particular game.”

Paul Mullin wasn’t risked against Bury due to a tight thigh that saw him replaced at half-time after scoring four of Morecambe’s goals in their 6-0 win at Nantwich Town.

Adam Dugdale is a couple of weeks away from fitness after rolling his ankle in training.