PAUL Sturrock will take his time before deciding who to play at left-back against Macclesfield Town tomorrow.

The Blues boss is missing the injured Chris Barker and the suspended Peter Gilbert for the FA Cup clash.

And Michael Timlin, who started at left-back against Cheltenham Town on Tuesday night, has now returned to Swindon Town - leaving Sturrock short of options.

“We’re going to have to come up with something weird and wonderful,” said the Scotsman.

“I’ve got a couple of options to consider and I’m going to take my time about this one.

“We’re travelling up today so i’ll be watching some dvd’s of games and looking at some reports as well which will help me make up my mind.”

Johnny Herd must come in to contention as the only available left-back in the squad.

But he has started just one game this season and may miss out again tomorrow.

“We will be training up there too so I can look at a few things and it’s not cast in stone yet that Herdy will come in,” said Sturrock.

“It’s something I will be thinking about in the build up to the game.”

Whoever he does eventually pick looks set to be tested against the Silkmen though as Sturrock is expecting another difficult afternoon.

Macclesfield have lost just one of their last four games and drew 1-1 at high-flying Rotherham United on Tuesday.

“We’ve had them watched three times and they’re a strong, hard-working side and at home they have been a handful for everybody,” said Sturrock.

“They drew at Rotherham in the week and you don’t do that if you’re not a decent side so it’s a very difficult tie for us.”

FULL STORY IN FRIDAY'S ECHO