Morecambe skipper's happy to be back following a case of Covid-19

A positive test meant the Morecambe skipper missed the FA Cup trip to Chelsea a week-and-a-half ago, only to be recalled at Leyton Orient last weekend in the absence of Harry Davis.

Speaking after the Shrimps’ 1-1 draw against Walsall on Tuesday evening, the 24-year-old admitted the virus had been a shock to the system.

He said: “I didn’t feel great to be fair. I hadn’t been ill for 10 or 12 years and I was bed-bound for a few days.

“I was quite sceptical about the whole thing. I don’t think I showed any symptoms but I was bed-bound for three days. It’s quite a tough virus and anyone can get it.

“This new strain seems easier to catch but we’ve all followed the rules.

“Obviously Harry Davis is off and I was chucked straight back in.

“I need to get up to speed with match sharpness, which I feel I don’t have yet.”

The Shrimps are back in action against Colchester United on Saturday as they aim to break back into the League Two play-off places.

They could have done so with victory against Walsall on an evening when they felt hard done by after seeing two penalty appeals turned down.

Liam McAlinden and Aaron Wildig were the players in question, the latter opting to stay on his feet when being pulled back and seeing his subsequent effort saved.

Lavelle said: “You don’t want to encourage diving but if he (Wildig) goes down, it’s a stonewall penalty - he’s too honest.

“Liam did great when he came on. He stretched the game and a stonewall penalty again, and probably a sending off as well.

“The lads are a bit gutted we didn’t get three points but we’re eighth with a game in hand. We need to keep chipping away and we’ll be fine.”

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