Morecambe go to Exeter City tomorrow three points adrift of Dagenham and Redbridge, who occupy the final play-off berth with two games remaining.

But Morecambe – who have an inferior goal difference to their promotion rivals – know it is a must-win game in Devon now.

The Morecambe boss said: "We know what we have to do – we must go for victory. We are desperate to still have a say in what happens in the promotion race and I think we can.

"It is still possible to make it if the other teams slip up – but we will need a couple of wins I think. The odds are stacked against us but you never know what might happen."

Morecambe were edged out 3-2 at Rotherham at the Don Valley Stadium in midweek and McIlroy added: "The boys were very down after losing at Rotherham, but they shouldn't be because they've had a fantastic season.

"We've lost twice in 17 games since the end of January and just to be talking about the play-offs is an astonishing achievement because we were in the bottom eight three months ago.

"The spirit we've created here is incredible and even if we don't make it then we've a massive foundation to build on next season. We have had two incredible years since we came out of the Conference and
everybody should be very proud."

Victory for Exeter tomorrow could send the Devon club into League One, two years after losing to Morecambe in the Conference play-off final.

"There'll be a lot of pressure on Exeter tomorrow because of what is at stake for them, and hopefully we can take advantage of that."

Meanwhile, Shrimps midfielder Neil Wainwright has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an Achilles injury.

Wainwright had been suffering with the problem for several weeks and McIlroy said: "It is a big blow for us and Neil.

"Being the lad he is, he has been desperate to play through the pain barrier and he has done well despite suffering.

"But we didn't want to make things any worse because we want to make sure he is ready for pre-season."

Meanwhile, long-serving forward Wayne Curtis and Fraser McLachlan have both agreed new deals.