AFC Telford land their 'Wayne Rooney'

And Paul McCone could also be set for a debut for this afternoon's visit of North Ferriby after new signing Rob Elvins did a U-turn within hours of signing.

McCarthy, a 20-year-old striker, has agreed a three-month loan from the National League side to boost the Bucks, rock-bottom of the North.

Boss Rob Smith said: "He's a bit of a Wayne Rooney type of player. He'll be aggressive and he won't care about the precarious situation we're in.

"The kid has no worries about any defender he's playing against and he's a very decent player.

"He's a bit raw but he scored a hatful of goals for Skelmersdale to win a move to Southport, where he's been in and out of their team this season.

"He's probably the best signing we've made, certainly attacking-wise."

McCarthy has figured in seven of the Sandgrounders' 10 games this season, starting twice and has scored once in a 3-0 win against Altrincham.

Meanwhile, McCone looks like he might be in for an earlier-than-expected call up, after Elvins decided not join after all.

Former Wolves academy graduate and Stourbridge defender McCone has been out of action for several months at Hednesford, after surgery to repair a snapped ligament in his foot.

Smith said: "Paul might be playing for us today. He's fit but he's not match fit but if he can give us even half a game, he's better than anything we've got."

The Elvins deal was verbally sealed on Thursday night only for the stopper to have a change of heart yesterday.

Smith is without suspended defender Jack Deaman today, while fellow stopper Lucas Dawson starts a three-match ban after the game.

Striker Rowe, who has signed on a non-contract basis, was a prolific scorer for Stourbridge, where he netted 73 goals in 146 games.

Hibbert has been ruled out for three weeks with tweaked medial ligaments, while Bakayoko's one-month loan from Walsall expires after the weekend.

Youth prospect Zak Lilley has gone on a month's loan to Sutton Coldfield Town.