Morecambe lost their last game 2-1 at Bury, two poor goals cancelling out Rene Howe's strike to leave the Shrimps with just a point from their first three games.

And the Shrimps will face an Dagenham side currently riding high in fourth in League Two after two wins and a draw from their first three.

McIlroy said: "I thought we played a lot better on Saturday but the goals we conceded were very, very poor.

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"We got a good point at Wycombe but we haven't followed that up. We should have got something against Bury but didn't.

"Dagenham struggled last year but they are doing well now. They have one game plan and we all know about it.

"We know it's going to be a difficult game but it is up to us to overcome that."

>> Last season's game

With the transfer situation likely to change before the closure of the transfer window, there may be a new face in the Shrimps line-up come Saturday afternoon.

One player almost certain to start the game in striker Rene Howe.

The on-loan Peterborough striker opened his account for the Shrimps in the 2-1 defeat at Bury on Saturday.

He said: "I know I'm a striker but I've always been told that if you keep a clean sheet you have a better chance of winning a game and I think if we can do that against Dagenham on Saturday it would be a huge boost.

"Dagenham have started well but we can't worry about what other people are doing. We just have to think about ourselves.

"I thought we looked better on Saturday than we have done but we need to show a bit more quality with the final ball and perhaps get a few more people in the box when we are attacking as well to really put the pressure on sides."