WORKINGTON Reds' Northern Premier League - Division West rivals Macclesfield FC are set to lose striker Tom Clare to ITV's Love Island.

The Reds could close the gap on the league-leaders to 9 points with a win this weekend... and will be boosted by the news that the Silkmen's forward ranks have been weakened.

In a statement the Cheshire based side said: "Macclesfield FC can confirm that the club have granted Tom Clare an extended period of leave in order to appear in this year's Love Island competition.

"Despite the fact that we are disappointed to lose a player of Tom's calibre for the foreseeable future, we also recognise the incredible oppurtunity that this represents for both him and his family on a personal level.

"Tom remains very much part of our plans here at the Leasing.com Stadium and has expressed his unwaivering desire to return to the club after the show."

Clare was the club's first-ever signing in 2021 and has scored eight goals in the 2022/23 season to this point.

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