The scouts are flocking to Christie Park to run the rule over Morecambe's record signing, and there is bound to be huge interest in the young midfielder when the January transfer window swings open.

Baker has made a splendid start to life in the Football League, scoring six times this season.

McIlroy said: "I'm expecting a lot of offers for Carl Baker in
January.

"It is clear that there is strong interest already.

"Sometimes we've got 30 scouts at our home games and I'm sure many of them are there to watch Carl.

"When I signed Carl from Southport, I told the chairman that if he did what I expected him to do, then we'd lose him pretty quickly.

"But it would take a lot of money for us to sell Carl if somebody does
come in."

Follow the link in the top corner to hear Sammy McIlroy talk about Carl Baker.

The fee for Baker, 24, remains undisclosed but it was bigger than the £25,000 the Shrimps paid to land Steve Walters from Northwich Victoria
in 2000.

"He is our record signing and a lad I've got tremendous faith in," added McIlroy.

"Carl has certainly repaid the faith I've had in him.

"But if a big club comes in then you've got to weigh it up, and we probably couldn't stand in his way.

"Of course I don't want that to happen, but with the ability he has, he will play a higher grade of football eventually.

"He really is a terrific player who has great feet and vision and can play in several positions.

"I've had a long chat with Carl and he is still 100% committed to Morecambe.

"He loves it at Christie Park, and as long as I can keep getting the
best out of him, then that will do for me."

The Shrimps tackle Port Vale in the first round of the FA Cup at Christie Park tomorrow, and amazingly McIlroy's team will start as
favourites against the League One strugglers.

Vale were dumped out of the Johnstone's Paints Trophy by Morecambe last month, and former Farsley Celtic boss Lee Sinnott took charge this week
from the axed Martin Foyle.

But the Shrimps will again be without striker Michael Twiss tomorrow, as he serves the final game of a three-match ban.

McIlroy added: "It was a super tie in the JP Trophy and I'm sure it should be another entertaining clash on Saturday."