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John McMahon isn’t giving up hope on Tranmere’s talented casualties coming back to play a part in the final two games of the League One survival battle.

Jason Koumas, Ian Goodison and James Wallace were not fit enough to be considered for Rovers’ goalless draw with Sheffield United on Easter Monday.

The point gained from a spirited performance at Prenton Park was enough to keep Tranmere a point above the relegation places with two games remaining – visits to fifth-placed Leyton Orient this weekend and a home fixture against Bradford City a week on Saturday.

Caretaker manager McMahon is confident veteran centre-back Goodison can shake off a thigh problem to make himself available for the trip to Brisbane Road, while he is hopeful midfielder Koumas, who has been taking injections for the pain from a foot injury, will be able to play after missing two of the last three games.

Wallace is on the comeback trail from a groin injury that has caused him to miss the last six matches.

McMahon said: “A week will make a difference for Ian Goodison. He should be available for Leyton Orient and Koumas, hopefully, is a possibility. Then we need to assess the others.”

Rovers picked up two fresh casualties against the Blades, losing winger Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro to a thigh problem early in the game and full-back Liam Ridehalgh to a knee injury shortly before half-time.

McMahon is keen to point out that the two young players who came off the bench on Monday, midfielders Jake Kirby and James Rowe, did well.

“They are staking a claim as well,” McMahon said.

Of Wallace, who has been able to play just 19 games this season because of injury issues, McMahon said: “We have not written him off. James is one of those people who can’t hide his feelings. If he is not right within himself he can’t hide that. It is the type of character he is.”

Even though Goodison, Koumas and Wallace were not able to play against Sheffield United, McMahon kept the trio involved.

He explained: “I asked them to be in the dressing room before the game and at half-time to help, to talk, to calm players down and pass on what they see. They see different things to me. I asked them to talk to players in their relative positions and give them advice because they have that experience and know-how.

“It is about how we get the best from everyone in the group of players. Senior players chipping in helps.”

McMahon believes the strong performance against Sheffield United lifted his players who had been down, he admitted, after the 2-0 defeat at Gillingham on Good Friday.

“I think we have a lot to build on as a group of players and as a football club,” McMahon said. “There’s a big spirit, passion, desire and enthusiasm here, all the things you take are granted are there.

“I just need to produce the results on the pitch. I think the type of football we are trying to play is a better brand of football. I think the fans recognise it. We just need the breaks.”