DORCHESTER Town manager Steve Thompson believes his hands are “tied” regarding selection in defensive and midfield positions.

Thompson’s comments were made in relation to the growing number of injuries at the Avenue Stadium, with centre-back and captain Gary Bowles the latest to be sidelined with a knee injury during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Biggleswade Town.

But the Magpies’ boss did appear satisfied with his attacking choices, adding he had “fair options” with his forward-minded players.

He told Echosport: “It’s not easy to pick the team in attacking positions, we do have fair options there. Defensive positions I don’t really have too many and midfield at the moment with Luke Winsper injured.

“So I’ve got two areas of the team where I’ve got my hands pretty much tied behind my back, but in those front three positions I do have options.”

Thompson offered an update on the fitness of Winsper, who has overcome an ankle knock but jarred his knee in a tackle during the 2-0 defeat to Banbury United two weeks ago.

“Luke had that big tackle right on half-time and tweaked the medial ligaments and usually they’re at least three weeks.

“I’ll be surprised if I see him Saturday, but I’m hopeful for the Saturday after,” he said.

On Bowles’ fitness, Thompson was reluctant to put a timescale on the skipper’s recovery period from a knee problem.

He said: “It’s early days to say and I’ve got my fingers crossed because it’s probably the one position I can afford (an injury) least.

“The injury to Bowles could stretch us defensively and that’s a slight concern.”

With an ever-busier treatment table, Thompson revealed he will be in talks with potential new signings this week.

He said: “I will be looking and talking to people this week. I’m delighted with the win, obviously, but I know that our performance has got to improve.

“Like I said, I’ve got very few options in certain areas of the field. Not having options is not always nice.”

Thompson’s most recent signing, Callum Rose, scored the opening goal against Biggleswade and the Dorchester manager was pleased with his man-of-the-match display.

He said: “I’m delighted because the two centre-halves have played so well. Callum came on and I thought he did well. He’s scored a goal and we’ve got a win in the last few minutes and everyone’s happy.

“That certainly helps him settle down. The most important thing is that he defends well and I thought he did on the whole. His goal was obviously a massive bonus for us.”

Yeovil Town trialist Samyan Ismail is set to be given another run out in the Magpies’ reserves, having scored in their 2-1 defeat to Winchester last Thursday.

Thompson said: “I’ve had a chat with him and invited him in for another reserve game.

“I’ve watched him play 90 minutes for Yeovil in the Somerset Cup and on Thursday and he hasn’t done enough in those two games for me to offer him anything at the moment.

“I have invited him in if he wants to. Obviously he does have other options so he may be looking at those.”