Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman will have to drop the 'player' part of his player-manager role for the next few weeks after tearing a hamstring in the mid-week draw with UniBond League Division One title hopefuls Witton Albion.

Coleman will therefore direct operations from the bench for tomorrow's trip to Workington after confirming: "I'm hoping I'll only be out for about three weeks, depending on how bad the tear is."

Coleman's goals will be missed by Stanley, who are unbeaten in six games and closing in on the promotion pack.

However, the boss added: "We are getting Jimmy Bell back which will be like having a new signing.

"We are always on the look-out (for potential signings) but we won't be rushing into anything just because I'm injured."

Russell Payne is also ruled out tomorrow after getting a bang in the face against Witton, which Coleman thought should have brought his side a late penalty, and Steve Caswell will have a fitness check on a thigh strain.

However, Mark Brennan is set to return from suspension to face the Cumbrian side which has been drawing some near four-figure gates this season.

"Accrington Stanley is still a big name in non-League and that might attract a few more people round that way, and there should be a good crowd.

"We beat them 4-1 earlier in the season but that flattered us a bit. They had a good win in the Trophy the other night and they're not a bad side. But we're looking forward to it and trying to get a bit of a run going," Coleman added.

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