CARL Macauley is looking to add firepower to his Vauxhall Motors squad after losing youngster Pat McFadden to injury.

The 21-year-old forward has been ruled out for up to three weeks after damaging ankle ligaments in last month’s Cheshire Cup tie at Altrincham, leaving the Motormen short-handed up front.

Macauley will look into the loan market to solve his striker shortage.

The Vauxhall manager said: “I have Tom Rooney, Karl Noon and Rio Nelson, who is really a winger, to choose from up front. What I really need is another striker in case one of them gets injured as well. I may only be able to bring one in on loan but I need to sort something out.”

Chairman Alan Bartlam has said that if Macauley can identify a player of real quality, the club could make funds availablee.

“I am always prepared to sit down with the manager and discuss a player,” he said. “If Carl makes a strong case for a player and his impact on the team, then it would be possible to release some extra funds.”

Motors crashed out of the FA Cup at the second qualifying stage on Saturday, losing 3-2 at Blue Square North high-fliers Southport. Two goals from Tom Rooney saw Motors come from 1-0 down to lead 2-1, but Neil Robinson then equalised with his second of the afternoon for ‘Port. James Connolly hit the winner 13 minutes from time.

Motors have two home games to look forward to this week. They host Gateshead in the league tomorrow before renewing cup hostilities with Southport in the Setanta Shield on Tuesday.

Vauxhall’s youth side went out of the FA Youth Cup in the first qualifying round at Formby on Sunday, losing 5-0.