Stags switch attention to defence

MANSFIELD have abandoned their search for a striker and are looking to sign a central defender on loan following an injury to Adie Moses.

Boss Billy McEwan was on the brink of bringing in a new frontman yesterday.

But with Aaron O'Connor and Jason Lee back in the frame, the Scot has pulled the plug on that move in order to strengthen elsewhere.

With Moses coming off at Salisbury with a calf problem, McEwan knows he needs more cover in that area – even though the versatile Gavin Hurren filled in for the Stags skipper last Saturday.

"With the injury to Adie, the centre back area is the priority, although Gavin played there and did very well," he said.

"We will have a look at one or two in the reserves tonight (at Walsall, 7pm), just as a lot of other clubs do.

"I was bringing a forward player in and the manager concerned rang me ready to do the deal. But we have had to put that on hold because the priorities have changed.

"We had a defender in last week but he picked up a groin injury and is out for two weeks

"There are other centre backs I'm asking about but we'll have to wait and see."

McEwan insists he will not be rushing former Barnsley and Lincoln defender Moses back into action.

He said: "I brought him off as a precaution."

Nathan Arnold (thigh) has picked up a knock while O'Connor (calf) is still striving for full fitness.

Meanwhile, chairman Andy Perry said he hoped the off-the-field investigations involving the Stags would be concluded 'as soon as possible'.

The FA are looking into an issue regarding the registration of Aaron O'Connor, who it is claimed joined Mansfield having already signed for Grays.

The Football Conference are considering a separate claim that the Stags have fielded other ineligible players.