Mike Jackson has scoffed at the suggestion that Premier League B teams should operate in the lower divisions of the English Football League.

The Prenton Park boss was speaking via video conference ahead of Tranmere's weekend trip to Salford City, where Rovers will be looking to earn their first away win of the season.

But when asked about the comments made earlier this week by Manchester City Chief Executive Ferran Soriano, who has called for top flight B Teams to participate in the EFL to make it 'more sustainable', Jackson strongly rebuffed the idea.

He said: "I think he should just talk about his own club really. I don't think he should be talking about other leagues and clubs to benefit him and their club.

"Theses leagues (EFL) have had their traditions now for a long, long time before this guy came in and started speaking about what suits his club best and not everybody else's club.

"He's saying it isn't sustainable because of Covid. Why wasn't it sustainable before that?

"Why can't it bounce back? Why can't we believe that it's going to get better?

"That's the way everyone has got to try and think on this. Why should we just write something off that's been there for so long and produce so many players that are probably in his squad now?

"People like Kyle Walker have come through EFL clubs.

"The football pyramid is successful. At this moment in time it's been put under strain because of Covid, but everywhere has.

"We just need to make sure we get through all this and come out other side. We have to keep hope."

Tranmere's first league win of the season last weekend at Prenton Park came without the services of four key attacking players - Morgan Ferrier, Kaiyne Woolery, Liam Feeney and Corey Blackett-Taylor.

The latter has been the subject of transfer speculation linking him with a move away from Prenton Park, but Jackson confirmed to the Globe that no offers have been made for the wide attacker.

If Rovers' injury woes weren't already big enough, they will be without a further forward this weekend after it emerged that striker Stefan Payne has sustained a groin injury after stretching for a ball in training.

Jackson provided an update on his other missing players and there is some hope that perhaps a couple could be involved this weekend.

He said: "Kaiyne Woolery is going along ok, but it's still touch and go. Corey's had a week's training, but again it might just be a little bit too early for him.

"Morgan Ferrier is still a little bit away. He's had a bit of a set back with his. It's just getting a bit untidy that one.

"Liam Feeney is coming along well. He's hopefully trying to do a bit of training next week."

Salford have made a decent start to the season with two wins and two draws elevating them to third place, but a win for Rovers tomorrow would draw them level on eight points with the Greater Manchester club.

The Globe will be providing a live match blog from the Peninsula Stadium tomorrow. Kick off 3pm.