Shuker could miss the game at Swindon

Tranmere Rovers manager Ronnie Moore says Chris Shuker could miss the start of the season with a muscle injury.

The 26-year-old winger has struggled with a damaged muscle behind his knee throughout pre-season.

"He's missed a few pre-season games so he's going to be a yard off the pace," Moore told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"He's probably going to be a week behind everybody else so I would imagine we will be starting the season without Shuker."

Moore was keen to stress the injury, which has dogged Shuker for a while, is not as bad as it was last season.

"It's nice to know that we've got him there. The injury isn't as bad as it was last season."

Moore is in the process of finalising his squad for next season and has revealed he is keen to secure the futures of out-of-contract Steve Jennings and trialist Charlie Barnett.

We keep chasing Jenno [Steve Jennings], we want Jenno here and he knows we want him here Ronnie Moore

"We keep chasing Jenno [Steve Jennings], we want Jenno here and he knows we want him here.

"We hope he sees sense and signs that new contract for us."

Barnett, who is on trial following his release by Liverpool, has also impressed Moore.

"I think he's a tremendous footballer, when you look at him you know he's come from Liverpool.

"He excites me and I look at him and think he's going to be a little gem."