Barnes says he needs more defenders and a goalkeeper

Tranmere manager John Barnes says he is pleased with how his squad is coming together following Rovers' 2-1 friendly defeat by Preston on Saturday.

Barnes is having to build a new-look squad after losing a number of key players over the close season.

"In terms of the way we're building for how we're going to play I was pleased," Barnes told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"Every time I assess a game - I take the goals out of it and look at how we played. In possession I was happy."

Barnes has expressed the need to improve his options at the centre of his defence and he is actively searching for players to bolster that area of the park.

To say that we're looking for him to play the whole season - it may be a little bit soon for him John Barnes on goalkeeper Joe Collister

The former Liverpool and England midfielder has also expressed his desire to recruit a first-team goalkeeper, although he was pleased with the contribution of young goalkeeper Joe Collister during the match against Preston.

"I know how good Joe is and he had a fantastic game but he's 17 years old," he continued. "To say that we're looking for him to play the whole season - it may be a little bit soon for him.

"But at least we know that we've got good back-up. And if worst comes to worst - I'll be quite happy for him to be there."

Rovers continue their pre-season campaign against a Liverpool XI on Friday at Prenton Park, kick-off is at 1945 BST.

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