Ross County manager Owen Coyle plans to strengthen in the January transfer window and is determined to secure more players of similar calibre to winger Chris Eagles.
Eagles is the only addition Coyle has made since the start of his tenure in September, with the former Manchester United midfielder joining as a free agent outwith the transfer window last month.
The Englishman has already made a strong impression in three starts for the Staggies, setting up both goals in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw against Kilmarnock, and Coyle feels Eagles has set the benchmark for the standard of player he aims to recruit.
Coyle said: “I think it’s fair to say in January we will certainly be looking to help the squad we’ve got.
“We are touching base with different people to see who is available and who is not.
“We don’t have huge numbers here and even in terms of the balance of the squad, we want to sure we’re balanced in all areas and not top heavy in one position.
“In the last few weeks we’ve not had a full squad to choose from because of different injuries. Even within games when we’ve had injuries it has taken away substitutes we would hope to use.
“We will look to balance the squad, but equally look to bring in bits of quality that can help.
“Although he’s only just here and needs to get match-fitness, I think we can already see the quality Eagles has.
“We will look to add similar quality in the right positions that can help the players and help the squad.
“We all want the same thing – we all want to win together. In order to do that we need to make sure we’re helping each other.”
Coyle previously worked with Eagles at both Burnley and Bolton Wanderers and although he has been impressed by his start at Dingwall, the Staggies manager feels the 32-year-old’s best will come once he regains match fitness.
Eagles had been out of contract since leaving Port Vale at the end of last season, and Coyle added: “The first game Chris played against Dundee, he played the full game which wasn’t the plan. We know he has decent fitness levels, but what we need to build up is match fitness levels.
“That’s always difficult to do in a short period of time. There’s no doubt when he’s at full flight he creates chances and gets shots away.
“We saw his deliveries for both goals on Tuesday night.
“There’s no doubt he brings quality to the squad – we know he’s capable of being a match-winner. What he’s got to understand as we move forward is we need that match sharpness, durability and sustainability for the full period of the game.
“That takes time to build up but when he gets the ball in danger areas, he’s capable of getting people out of their seat.
“That’s what we want to do but equally making sure we’re winning games while doing it.”