HE may only have been in the manager's hot seat for a matter of days, but Andy Johnston has certainly been busy in that time as he looks to preserve Radcliffe Boro's UniBond Premier League status writes Marc Higginson

The new incumbent has placed striker Steve Foster on the transfer list after his sending-off after just 20 minutes into the defeat against Leek and has strengthened his hand with the signatures of two young players from National Conference outfit Southport.

Foster has been the subject of interest from two clubs already but the club will only allow him to go at the right price.

Johnston said: "We are waiting to see what interest he receives after placing him on the list.

"Obviously, we will require a fee for him and that fee has to be in keeping with the fact that he was the league's top scorer last season with 34 goals and has scored 15 goals this season.

"In the meantime, I am sure 'Fozzie' is professional enough to ensure he gives 100% to the club's cause if he is selected to play."

And, the manager is not ruling out playing Foster in Saturday's UniBond Cup clash with Stocksbridge. Foster's four game suspension for his sending-off doesn't start until next week and Johnston admitted he will be in the squad for the game. However, he is undecided whether he will be selected.

Two men who won't be in the squad - because they are cup tied - are new signings from Southport, Ian Kearney and Tony Evans.

The pair have signed on loan until the end of the season and come with words of praise from Johnston.

Evans, who scored against Boro for Southport in a pre-season friendly, has scored 15 goals this season and is comfortable leading the line or playing behind another striker.

Johnston said: "We feel Tony is a player we can develop. He is hard working, willing to learn and has had an excellent season so far. He has great pedigree."

Kearney can play anywhere across the back line and joined Southport from Blackburn last season. He has been on-loan at Clitheroe for most of the season, alongside Evans, and impressed enough to be made captain at Shawbridge.

Johnston enthused: "Ian is a very good prospect and we needed somebody to bring to the club in that position following recent injuries to Simon Kelly and Stephen Hill.

"It gives us cover, meaning we don't have to play Lee Duffy at the back and he can remain wide where he does most damage to the opposition.

"Both players will compliment the squad and, once they settle in, I am sure they will continue their improvement."

Meanwhile, it is a break from league action as Boro look to progress into the semi-finals of the League Cup against Stocksbridge.

And, Johnston sees it as a very important game for the club, saying: "It is our final remaining chance of silverware this season and we want to do well.

"However, it will be a difficult game because Stocksbridge are in some great form and have a winning mentality.

"Because, they have that winning habit that we don't, I think they will be favourites with the bookies. However, we beat them 5-1 last season and they will remember that.

"They have a very tall centre-forward and there front pair sound like a handful. They will show with lots of confidence and they like to play some football.

"If we get any early goal, it shouldn't be a problem. We just have to remain patient and play like we know we can."

Jonathan Smith is eligible to play at the back and he is set to continue in the place of skipper Simon Kelly, who is still struggling with a knock. Tony Whealing returns after a bad dose of flu and his return might see Andy Heald play up-front.

However, the club were dealt a blow this week with the news that defender Stephen Hill is to be sidelined for the forseeable future.

Hill has been dogged by a persistent back problem for the best part of 12 months now and physio Ronnie Evans is concerned about its re-occurence.

"It is the same injury as before and causing Hilly a lot of pain,"said Evans.

"Hopefully it will settle down with some rest. However, if that does not help, he may have to give it a considerable period of time before he plays again - meaning he could be out for the rest of the season.

"We will know in the next couple of weeks once it has settled down where we go from here."

Evans added: "We have missed Hilly this season because he gives the team strength and balance on the left side of defence.

"He will not be rushed back, for the benefit of Hilly - and then the club."