INJURED forward Richard Marshall was already itching to get back into the Farsley Celtic side and, after successive defeats dropped them out of the Premier Division play-off places in the Evo-Stik League, he is now even more frustrated.

The Celts lost the goals of James Walshaw when the striker moved to Division One North outfit Scarborough Athletic last month.

Former Guiseley manager Steve Kittrick is the Seadogs boss and he recently appointed former Bradford Park Avenue defender and assistant manager Mark Hume as his number two.

It is understood that Walshaw was made an offer he could not refuse as he joined former Farsley and Avenue team-mates James Knowles and Ross Daly at Scarborough.

Marshall said: "We've lost Wally to Scarborough and we're going to miss his goals because he's always been prolific and he was in great form.

"I think Wally had already scored 20 goals before the end of October and if you take those away from any side, they are going to be missed.

"We've got Carts (Nathan Cartman) back permanently after he had a loan spell with us early season, so that should soften the blow.

"I think it might take the lads a few games to get used to the change because Wally was an out-and-out front man. Carts is a bit more like myself; a number ten. I like playing behind the main striker and I think Carts does – but he will get goals for us.

"James Pollard only came in during the close season but we've lost him as well now as he's gone to Shaw Lane.

"Jimmy joined us from Brighouse after the great season they had last year and he's a very good player. But he wasn't getting enough football and an offer came in for him.

"He wasn't getting in ahead of Ellis and Clayts (centre backs Danny Ellis and Adam Clayton) and we'll see how he gets on at Shaw Lane. They probably promised him a lot more game-time."

Farsley manager Adam Lakeland wanted to keep both Walshaw and Pollard but did not want to stand in their way.

The Celts have a tight squad but with half the season still to play and a play-off place to win back, Lakeland knows he will need reinforcements somewhere along the way.

Marshall is clinging to the hope that he has an outside chance of being one of those and that he plays again this season. Yet it is a remote chance as he is waiting to go under the surgeon's knife to rectify a chronic hip problem.

"We've got a tight squad and some young lads who are very good – but if we lose one of the big players to injury or suspension, then we're going to struggle," he said.

"If we were to lose Ellis, Clayts or someone like Wacker (Paul Walker), it would be a stretch. I think we can still make the play-offs but it depends on who the gaffer brings in.

"I can't do a lot at the minute and I'd like to help out. I'd love to be back tomorrow or next week – but this is a proper injury, not one of those you can have a few weeks off and then be as good as new."