Luke Oliver will be on Peter Taylor’s shopping list if he lands the City job.

The big defender lines up for Wycombe at Tranmere tonight instead of facing Morecambe at Valley Parade.

Oliver – who has scored City’s last two goals as a makeshift targetman – was recalled by his parent club after Adam Hinshelwood got injured, leaving them short of centre halves.

But Taylor has assured him that his name will feature in his long-term plans.

The City boss said: “I’ve told him if I get my bits and pieces sorted out (with the contract) he will definitely be on my list.

“Luke’s got the added ability where he can play up front, so he’s a very handy central defender.

“(Losing him) hurts us a little bit but to be honest, they could have called Luke back a couple of weeks ago.

“Alan Bennett, who they got on loan from Brentford, got injured and is out for the rest of the season.

“They’ve been playing with two centre halves since then with nothing on the bench, so I’ve been waiting and dreading a call.

“Luke’s done very well for us and is a prolific goalscorer now! He’s a bit disappointed because he’s been a regular but if he’s going back there to play, then he’ll be okay.”

With James Hanson still a couple of games away from returning, Oliver’s departure leaves City with no height up front against the Shrimps. Taylor believes that will be a good test of character against a side he rates highly.

He said: “The players have got to be brave and get some good service into the strikers. But it does give other people the chance to show me what they can do.”

Jon McLaughlin will get another chance in goal after his heroics at Burton. Taylor highlighted his performance and James O’Brien’s as an example for the rest to follow.

He said: “Some people say the players are worried because they don’t know what’s going to happen. But Jon’s out of contract so he’s in the same position.

“He looked very sharp on Saturday and was unlucky not to have a clean sheet. He’s shown so much determination.

“That’s what I’m asking everybody else to do. We’re in a tough old business and I’m looking for the players to be strong.”

Once again, City must do without their five injured first-teamers against a side that are eyeing a fifth straight win.

Taylor said: “Morecambe were one of the best teams in League Two last season. When I was at Wycombe, I was always pleased when they were playing the other top teams because I fancied Morecambe to beat them.

“Sammy (McIlroy) has done a very good job and it’s no surprise to me they are in the play-off positions. But it’s a game I’m really looking forward to.

“I want us to go and play like the reserves did against Newcastle last week. They were up against a team that were expected to be better but showed no fear and won the game. Hopefully the first team can do the same.”