The injury to Richard Butcher has forced Gary Simpson into a rethink ahead of Saturday's trip to Accrington Stanley.

The midfielder limped out of the action against Shrewsbury in the Silkmen's last game, with tests later revealing he is likely to be out for at least two to three weeks with medial ligament damage.

"Losing Butch so early on in the season is a blow as he's a key player for us," explained Gary. "But we've got two or three lads who can step into that role, that's assuming we don't go with an extra striker."

Is that a series option?

We've worked on various formations in training all week and it's about deciding what team I think will be the most effective. If that means looking at another front man then that's what we'll do.

The Reserves had a good run out in midweek and those who played are itching to be involved. So I've got several options. It's very much 'horses for courses' and going with the side I think will cause them the most problems.

Does that include Paul Morgan and Ross Draper?

Both lads have been fully involved in training and of course Ross got ninety minutes on Tuesday night. Paul's a naturally fit lad and whilst Ross was a bit stiff after the Tranmere game, he's recovered well and I wouldn't have any qualms about playing either of them. What I have got to ask myself is whether it's fair on them to throw them in straight away having had so little football.

You mentioned the need to be more effective, can you explain more?

I suppose put simply, win more games. We have played well in the three games so far, and I don't think anyone would disagree with the fact that our style of play is perhaps more pleasing to the eye than most of last season. But the simple fact is we've yet to win a game and that's what's most important. So our style of play has to be effective and not just pretty to watch.

So what sort of game are you expecting tomorrow?

They've drawn both league games and of course had that great result in the Carling Cup against Doncaster. And whilst they not won either of their two league games, they've yet to concede a goal so they're clearly a tough unit to break down. And as always with any Stanley side, they will work hard as a unit.

And include a couple of familiar faces?

Yes and I am sure Hess and Craig (Lindfield) will be looking to put one over us.

Any early thoughts on League Two this season?

Well I don't think there's a Rochdale or a Notts County in the division. But conversely there's unlike to be another Darlington and Grimsby. So its wide open and anyone who can string a run of results together will be right up there. As ever consistency is the key.

And the squad you've assembled?

I think it certainly stronger in depth than last season's but as is the nature of our situation, a lot of the lads are still not the finished article. They've bags of potential and it's our job to develop them as quickly as we can.

That will come from hard work on the training ground and getting more games under their belts. By that very nature, mistakes will be made and its then when we all need to be supportive.