Bristol Evening Post commented Bristol City boss Derek Boss McInnes eager to tap loan market

BRISTOL City boss Derek McInnes wants to further strengthen his starting line-up when the window reopens for loan signings next week.

McInnes recruited Stephen Pearson and Richard Foster on permanent deals from Derby County and Aberdeen and signed striker Chris Wood on loan from West Bromwich Albion before the January transfer window closed earlier this week.

Bristol City boss Derek McInnes.

But the incomings are unlikely to end there, with City's manager talking openly of adding another couple of players in the coming weeks.

And he is looking to strengthen his starting 11 rather than bringing in squad players.

McInnes has made public his desire to sign a short-term replacement for striker Nicky Maynard and is also in the market for a defender.

He said: "We are always looking and there were one or two things that might have happened before the deadline.

"But you have to understand a lot of clubs would rather sell players than loan them out in January. Now the January window has passed, there will still be players who are not getting a game and will be available for loan, while others are free agents.

"In the end, we did not get anything done before Tuesday, but as we were looking at loans anyway, it did not matter.

"But with the opportunity to get loans in from next Tuesday, we still have time to do something.

"I think it's important we add to the squad. We've lost Nicky Maynard and I think we're still short in a couple of areas.

"I'm trying to build the semblance of a squad that can serve us going forward and I think there are a couple of places that still need to be filled.

"We'll do all we can to bring these people to the club and, whether it's next week or the one after, we'll certainly look to do a bit of business."

Meanwhile, Liam Fontaine has made a quicker-than-expected recovery from the knee injury that has sidelined him since Christmas and is in line to face Leeds United in this afternoon's npower Championship clash at Ashton Gate.

McInnes said: "Liam has made a good recovery and has been training with the rest of the squad this week.

"He is available for selection and fit to play if called upon."

Midfield powerhouse Marvin Elliott was also expected to return to the squad after recovering from a hamstring strain.

"The medical staff have worked hard with Marvin and he was able to train with the other lads on Thursday and Friday," said McInnes.

Blackburn new boy Bradley Orr has no doubt Rovers' squad is up to the task of avoiding relegation from the Barclays Premier League this season.

The former Bristol City full-back joined Steve Kean's side on transfer deadline day after a frustrating lack of opportunities with QPR this season and could make his debut in today's trip to Arsenal. Orr watched his new team lose 2-0 to Newcastle at Ewood Park on Wednesday, a result that left them two points from safety, but the defender saw more than enough to be encouraged about their chances of survival.

He said: "It's really exciting. It's a very good opportunity for me to come to such a great club like Blackburn.

"After watching the lads perform, it's even more exciting because I thought they played really well and were really unfortunate not to get a win, never mind a result.

"It's a great new chapter for me and something I want to grab with both hands.

"I'm very optimistic about the remainder of the season."

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Bristol Evening Post commented Bristol City boss Derek Boss McInnes eager to tap loan market