BLACKBURN manager Mark Hughes has admitted his squad does need strengthening in the January transfer window - but he insists it's becoming incre-asingly difficult to keep pulling rabbits out of the hat.
After a spate of injuries robbed him of several key players, Hughes is struggling for bodies as he prepares for tomorrow's Lancashire derby with Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok.
Midfield pair Tugay and Brett Emerton are both definitely ruled out with hamstring injuries, while doubts persist over the fitness of Steven Reid, David Dunn and Roque Santa Cruz, all of whom have barely trained this week.
When you throw in the fact that Aaron Mokoena is also away on African Nations duty too, it means Rovers are down to the bare bones as they go in search of the positive result they need to lift the gloom that has descended upon Ewood since last week's shock FA Cup defeat to Coventry City.
Hughes has tried to draft in reinforcements, with Wigan Athletic midfielder Jason Koumas thought to be one of the main targets on his hit-list.
But so far, the Rovers boss has been frustrated in his efforts to freshen things up, mainly because a lack of financial muscle makes it difficult to compete for players.
Hughes, who has an excellent track record when it comes to snapping up bargains in the January window, said: "We can't keep pulling rabbits out of hats but we keep on trying.
"We've obviously expressed interest in a number of players. How realistic it is to actually bring those players to the club, only time will tell, but we are certainly trying to do things, and trying to bring more quality to the club if we can."
Throughout his time at Rovers, Hughes has always had to shop prudently in the transfer market, knowing he cannot afford to waste a single penny of the money the board has provided for squad strengthening.
But, rather than moan about his lot, the shrewd Welshman has simply cut his cloth accordingly, snapping up the likes of Chris Samba, Ryan Nelsen, David Bentley, Stephen Warnock and Mokoena for knock-down fees.
Nevertheless, Hughes does admit he occasionally becomes frustrated by having to operate on a shoe-string whilst many of his rivals are splashing out big money in transfer fees.
"Sometimes when you know there are weaknesses in the team, and there are areas that need strengthening, there is a frustration when you can't address that immediately and do something about it," said the Rovers chief.
"That's to do with resources and transfer windows, and whatever. We've coped up to this point; we've negotiated six or seven windows and done reasonably well.
"Our record with acquisitions during the transfer windows has been good and we've got to keep that going.
"I know I'm supported by the board, and any money that's generated goes back into the football club, which is all I can ask for.
"At times, it is a frustration because there are obviously things that you want to do, but I understand that it's not always possible."
Hughes was as perplexed as anyone by last week's abject performance against Coventry but, after giving his players a blast of the Fergie hairdryer during a furious post-match dressing down, and then hauling them in for extra training on Monday, he is expecting to see a reaction tomorrow.
"I don't think I was too harsh on them," said Hughes, referring to his dressing room rant.
"When you get beat 4-1 at home in the third round of the FA Cup, which is a great fixture in the football calendar, then things need to be said.
"I'm sure they've taken that on board and I'd be surprised if they haven't."
Bolton might be firmly entrenched in a relegation scrap near the foot of the Premier League table, but their form has drastically improved since Gary Megson replaced Sammy Lee as manager in October, so much so that they are going in search of a fifth successive home league win.
However, they will be without their leading scorer Nicolas Anelka tomorrow, after the classy Frenchman sealed a £15 million move to Chelsea yesterday lunchtime.
"Whenever I've seen Anelka, he's always been excellent," added Hughes.
"People had doubts he would do it at Bolton but he worked exceptionally hard for the team, and he was a big part of what they try to do.
"The fact he won't be playing benefits us."
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