SUPERMARINE boss Mark Collier has moved closer to bringing a former Swindon Town midfielder to Hunts Copse on a short-term loan.

Collier revealed he is very hopeful' of landing his target but is still playing his cards close to his chest regarding his identity.

The midfielder will not be available for tonight's trip to Bedworth even if the deal is concluded, as Marine look to build on Saturday's morale-boosting 3-0 win at Thame.

Skipper Steve Davies is unavailable due to work commitments with Collier otherwise able to call on the same squad that travelled to Thame.

Collier said: "I have had a lot of interest from people asking who it is.

"I don't want to name him yet as it is not finalised yet although the deal is close now.

"It is a blow not to have Steve available but we have a more than capable squad to go there and get a result."

Two wins in their last six matches have seen Marine fall to fifth place in the Southern League Division One West, but with two games in hand and just seven points off leaders Clevedon Town, there is no panic around Hunts Copse.

Tonight's opponents are 12 points adrift of Collier's men but the Marine boss warns they are not in for an easy time.

He said: "If we play as well as we did at Thame, but take our chances early, we will hopefully be OK.

"They are a good proposition at home even if they have dropped out of the play-off zone of late.

"They have a pretty hostile crowd down there and it will be a difficult place to go.

"Hopefully though we can get another win under our belts."