JIM Gannon is hoping that both he and the Edgeley Park faithful have not seen the last of striker Glenn Murray.

Loan striker Murray, who celebrated his 23rd birthday on Monday, was ruled out of last nightés [Tues] visit to Notts County due to ankle injury he picked up during Saturdayés excellent win at Grimsby Town.

However, County manager Gannon is confident that he will be fit for the weekend home game against Peterborough, after which Murrayés loan spell from Carlisle is due to expire.

Gannon said: "Glennés second month with us is due to run out at midnight on Saturday, but Iém hoping that weéll be able to extend his stay for another month.

"Carlisle have told me that they wonét call him back until heés going to start a game for them, and all their strikers are fit at the moment.

"They are after a new striker, but a different type of striker to Glenn, therefore Iéd be delighted if he was allowed to stay with us for another month.

"Glenn has been a great addition to our squad, heés provided a focal point for our attack. Heés put some tremendous work in and has scored some valuable goals.

"The situation is still up in the air as Carlisle could still recall Glenn at short notice, but Iéd like to keep him for the full 93 days allowed."

With Murray and Tes Bramble both ruled out with ankle injuries last night, Gannon revealed that he has enquired about the availability of Crewe Alexandra hit-man Luke Rodgers.

"I will be looking for another striker, particularly if Glenn does have to go back to Carlisle," added Gannon.

Meanwhile, Liam Dickinson was handed a chance to partner Adam Le Fondre up front at Notts County. Gannon believes the ex-Woodley Sports front-man deserved an opportunity to make just his second start of the season.

Gannon added yesterday: "Liam has shown a great attitude lately, he has got his head down in training and worked really hard.

"Heés still got plenty to offer and Iéve got confidence in him.

"When Liam is bearing down on goal heés got the beating of any defender in our division.

"If he plays to his strengths the Notts County game could be a good one for him."

Gannon is confident that Bramble will be available again for Saturdayés clash with Peterborough, but Michael Rose (toe), Michael Raynes (exhaustion) and James Spencer (hip) will all still be rated as doubtful.

• GANNON has welcomed Countyés first round draw in the newly-sponsored Johnstoneés Paint Trophy.

The Hatters will travel to Cheshire neighbours Macclesfield Town during the week commencing October 16.

Gannon said: "Thatés a good draw for us, but although Macc are not enjoying the best of starts, itéll be a tough game."

• THE County Supportersé Club have arranged a fans forum for Thursday, October 12, at Edgeley Park [from 7.30pm]. Jim Gannon will hopefully be in attendance, and all fans will be welcome.

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