Strachan keen to make permanent signings

Dec 13 2009 Sunday Sun

GORDON Strachan is looking forward to making a first permanent signing as Middlesbrough manager after admitting he has to pussy-foot around his loan signings

The former Celtic boss will be in the market for new players in January, and will not limit his search to players with Championship experience.

Boro could have three loanees in action for today’s televised home game with Cardiff City, but having only arrived in October, after the transfer window shut, Strachan is yet to buy a player.

He has borrowed Caleb Folan, Marcus Bent, Isaiah Osbourne and Dave Kitson, but has to tread more carefully with them.

He said: “It’s difficult dealing with loan players – you can’t be as up front as with boys you have a long period of time – they’re doing you a favour by being here.”

Twenty-seven-year-old Folan’s loan from Hull City has come to an early end after the striker failed to recover from a hamstring injury. Bent has been suffering with a similar problem, but could be fit to face Cardiff today.

Boro have had to cut their cloth after relegation from the Premier League and some disappointing attendances in former boss Gareth Southgate’s final games.