TRANMERE Rovers player-manager John Aldridge is ordering his goal-shy team to put on their shooting boots for Norwich City's visit to Prenton Park, on Saturday, for what promises to be an attractive Nationwide League Division One fixture (kick-off 3pm).

Missed chances are becoming a headache Mr Aldridge could do without. He was again left bemoaning that fact during Saturday's defeat at Crewe and last Tuesday's surprise set-back at home to Third Division leaders Notts County in the Coca Cola Cup, which Rovers won 2-1 on goal aggregate.

Rovers have lost eight matches this season - six in the League - and the visit of Mike Walker's Canaries, followed by Portsmouth to Prenton Park on Saturday week, represents a real 'six pointer'.

That Mr Aldridge has assembled a team capable of producing fast, one touch, incisive football is there for all to see - but the team's collective failure to finish off the good work is clearly frustrating the former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland striker.

"We're not taking our chances. I'm not the answer because I'm 39 now and the lads must take it on themselves. There's something wrong when we keep on losing games we have dominated. It's not just a question of bad luck.

"If we were playing badly, I would be worried, but our passing is good. Although we scored six against Reading, we just haven't taken the chances this season and it has to improve. Norwich is a big game for us and I'll be looking for three points!"

Mr Aldridge hopes to have striker Lee Jones back in contention; he missed the Crewe defeat with a hamstring problem.

The return of talented Irish teenager Alan Mahon to the first team squad is refreshing and Mr Aldridge likened it to having a new player available.

He said: "Alan's had problems with injuries and his fitness, but he's back now and fighting for a place."

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