Conlon a big miss for Tait

The Dublin-born forward, last season's top scorer with 17 goals, has not played since he was stretchered off in the 4-0 home defeat to Bristol Rovers over a fortnight ago with an ankle injury.

Conlon is not expected to return until December along with first-choice goalkeeper Andy Collett, who is due to go under the surgeon's knife following a punctured lung.

"They're two of our most experienced players so obviously they're a big miss," said Tait.

"Michael Price has done well in Colly's absence but it's different with Barry Conlon.

"We miss Baz more than anybody else because most of our play goes through him.

"When he's not there we struggle to play the same game."

Manchester United striker Daniel Nardiello turned down a loan move to Quakers on Friday in favour of a switch to Third Division rivals Swansea City.

Tait has several other targets in mind and will this week work towards pushing through a loan deal to bolster his attacking options in Conlon's absence.

And the Quakers boss will be hoping to tie up a deal before Saturday's trip to Oxford.

The Us are unbeaten in their last seven League games.

However, Tait, whose side have now lost their last five in the Third Division following Saturday's home defeat to Bury, is determined to bounce back at the Kassam Stadium.

"Everyone will expect us to get beaten there so it's up to us to prove people wrong," said Tait. "I want us to do our job right and I want us to win.

"It's getting to the point where we can't just say it's only early in the season because we've gone right through October without getting a point."

Quakers' FA Cup first round tie at Ryman Premier League outfit Hornchurch will take place on Saturday, November 8.

The Essex side have former QPR striker Bradley Allen in their ranks, as well as ex-West Ham duo Keith Rowland and Steve Jones.

* Fellow Division Three strugglers Macclesfield last night sacked manager David Moss.

Read more about the Quakers here.