THE Linnets have drafted in promising Crewe Alexandra striker Matthew Platt on loan until the end of the season.

But because of red tape, they have failed in a bid to sign the five-times- capped Republic of Ireland Under-21 midfieldman Kieron Durkan, who is from Weston Point, after his release from Swansea.

And player-boss Chris Lightfoot's bid for another home-town signing in General Chemicals' central defender Robbie Moore - exclusively revealed in the Weekly News - has also fallen through due to injury.

Platt, 20, has been recruited for the run-in as the Linnets bid to qualify for Conference North next term.

Having struck the deal with his one-time Gresty Road boss Dario Gradi, Lightfoot expects Platt to be in the squad for Saturday's visit to Wakefield & Emley.

'Matthew is a centre forward but can also play either wide on the right or wide left.

'He is not in the first team but is a regular in the reserves and should do all right.

'He is 6ft and although I don't think he is that dominant in the air, he gives us that bit of extra height. Hope-fully, he'll be on the bench this-Saturday.'

The move for Durkan came to grief due to Welsh FA regulations.

The 30-year-old, who once commanded a £70,000 fee when moving from Wrexham to Stockport, joined Caernarfon Town on departing the Vetch Field.

But Lightfoot had been targeting the player with more than 200 Football League appearances under his belt as a replacement for injured vice-captain and right wing-back Steve Carragher.

Lightfoot explained: 'We tried to sign him but can't do so before the deadline.

'He had his contract cancelled by Swansea and Welsh FA rules are that he can't sign for another English club within 30 days but can sign for a team in the League of Wales.'

Meanwhile Robbie Moore's chances of breaking through into UniBond League football have been wrecked by a knee injury sustained in Sunday football last weekend.

'It has put him out for the season,' said Lightfoot who withdrew Matty McGinn (groin) as a precaution against Liverpool.

'I would still like to bring at least one more player in but we will have to wait and see.'

With tonight's visit of Wakefield & Emley being put back to Thursday, April 22, next action for the Linnets is at the same opponents this Saturday.

The match - at Belle Vue, Wakefield - kicks off at 3pm while Tuesday's home game against Barrow starts at 7.45pm.

Due to the large number of home games outstanding, Run-corn are offering a special offer on their last four matches of the season at Halton Stadium.

There will be a cut-price deal for fans wanting tickets for the games against Burscough (April 14), Stalybridge Celtic (April 17), Harrogate Town (April 20) and Wakefield & Emley.

Adult tickets for these matches can be bought for £20 (normally £28) and the concessionary price is £10 (normally £14).

To purchase tickets, fans should see club secretary Debbie Quaile at the main stadium reception before or after any Runcorn home match before Burscough.