Dundee boss James McPake admits the hunt for new signings is set to hot up this week with the English transfer window closing on Thursday.
The Dark Blues manager is determined to add to the squad already at his disposal and is working hard behind the scenes to do just that.
McPake, who saw his team draw their opening Championship match of the season against Dunfermline at East End Park on Friday evening, believes that although the window remains open in this country until September 2, the closure down south could have an impact.
McPake said: “A couple of wee things developed over the weekend but it is getting to that point where everybody is hurrying about and looking.
“We are still working away on signings as we certainly need to strengthen and we will before the window closes.
“There is a bit of a curve ball as English window shuts on Thursday so we will see.”
Meanwhile, McPake is set to welcome back Jamie Ness to his squad for this weekend’s game against Ayr United at Dens.
The midfielder rolled his ankle against Cove in the Betfred Cup and while he could have played at a push against Dunfermline on Friday, the manager was determined not to take any risks at this early stage of the season with the former Rangers players.
McPake said: “Jamie is back and I am delighted with that.
“We could have pushed him for Dunfermline but it was the first game of the season and I am not pushing anyone at this stage.
“If it was April coming into the business end of the season, then of course I would have had him back out there.
“He is an important player at this club so we take care of him.
“He is looking good so we are delighted to have him back.”
Skipper Josh Meekings came off at half-time against Dunfermline but the defender who had hip surgery last season, should be OK for the visit of the Honest Men.
McPake added: “Meeks has a little knock but it’s nothing too serious.
“He is going to get that. I have been in his position – you get through your pre-season, everything feels good but then you get these wee niggles.
“We will monitor him but we expect him to be fully fit come the weekend.
“He has lost two years of football really but he has been excellent over the pre-season with his body getting used to training every day and playing in games again.
“You have to allow for picking up wee knocks.
“Having had a lot of injuries myself, I can sympathise with him and I know what it is like for Meeks at the minute.
“Andrew Davies trained today so we will need to try to fit in a game somewhere for him.
“He needs minutes as he is miles behind in terms of that.
“Callum Moore is the same. We need to get some minutes for him.
“He has looked really good since he came back and he is another young player I really like.
So I am delighted to have him back as well.
“Craig Curran was due to train today but it is ill. I am sure he will be back tomorrow.”
