DAVID Flitcroft has confirmed that he will be on the hunt for reinforcements when the transfer market reopens tomorrow.

Youth-team striker George Miller was an unused substitute for Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Port Vale, one of just six players named on the bench, which did not include a reserve goalkeeper.

The lack of options in goal is possibly the biggest concern as the Shakers head into the new year.

On-loan Stoke City keeper Daniel Bachmann has made the number-one jersey his own recently but he is due to return to his parent club on January 9.

Rob Lainton, who started the season as first choice, and Jack Ruddy, who was promoted from the Under-18s, were both out injured on Monday and are thought to be weeks away from full fitness.

That means unless Bachmann's loan is extended past his final match at Fleetwood on Saturday, the Shakers could be left without a recognised goalkeeper.

And Flitcroft acknowledges that it is difficult to find a perfect fit for such a specialist position.

“We have [potential targets] but it's not going to be easy," he said.

"The January window is never easy. You have got to have your number one, two, three and maybe four targets.

“We certainly know where we need strengthening and where we need balance in the team, so we'll look to that and build out from that.

“It's a tough fit. With Jack Ruddy's injury, and Rob Lainton is now out for a few weeks, it is a really difficult fit to find someone who is prepared to give you a goalkeeper to be a stand-in goalkeeper, so it's a tough one.

“Usually, your back-up comes from your Under-18s, Under-21s or your reserve team.

"Not many clubs will give us a keeper to just sit on the bench and warm the bench.

"It's a really tough fit. I'm sure it will open up an avenue but it's very difficult one to find.”

And on the possibility of extending Bachmann's current deal, the manager added: “We are going to look at it and have a meeting on it and see where we want to be on it.

"But certainly there is a lot of things to discuss to try and find a solution.”

The Shakers boss revealed that he has already been in contact with a number of clubs in the hope to strengthen his squad.

But Flitcroft also ruled out any chance of a new signing arriving before this weekend's trip to Fleetwood Town.

“Absolutely not [have any signings by Saturday]. We have been speaking to quite few clubs and seeing what the potential options are.

"We have been looking at a lot of options, we always do.

“November and December are always very busy for us. We try to get our ducks in a row, but again football changes in those two months.

“Football changes so quick, it is very difficult to nail something so when it all opens up in January you get firm confirmation of what you can do.”