Tranmere Rovers ready for Southport

His managerial career began there in 2008, achieving immediate success by guiding them into the play-offs, before joining Cambridge.

He re-joined Southport in 2014 and was tempted away by Everton FC in January last year to take up a coaching role in the Academy, but was appointed Rovers manager in May.

Assessing this weekend's opponents during a press conference at Prenton Park, Brabin said: "They have got good players and a really good strong side.

"It's going to be a real tough game; but this isn't about other clubs in the league, it's about us."

During the press conference, Brabin said he was happy with his squad as the January transfer window drew to close.

He said there was no panic in bringing someone in this week.

He said: "We are constantly busy and looking to improve things but we're certainly not going to be rushed into any decisions today.

"I don't envisage anything happening but that's not to say it won't.

"However, the window is only shut for a week and then it opens again so I don't think it's anything we need to rush into.

"Unless someone comes who we feel is going to improve us, we won't be making that decision."

Brabin was forced into making a couple of substitutions in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Torquay United due to injury.

However, the news from the treatment table is not as bad as feared and there is an update on the players who missed out on Saturday's game altogether.

He added: "Adam Mekki did some light training today so that is a plus and we'll find out more later this week how Steve McNulty is doing from his dead leg.

"From the previous injuries, Hogan, Hill and Hughes all did some jogging today so we'll find out the extent of how they are later in the week too."

Meet this weekend's opponents: Southport

Nickname: The Sandgrounders

Colours: Yellow and black shirts, yellow shorts, yellow socks

Ground: Merseyrail Community Stadium

Distance from Prenton Park: 23.3 miles

Position last season: 19th