KELTY HEARTS boss John Potter says they have "still got irons in the fire" as they look to further bolster their squad.

The New Central Park outfit recruited Jack Milne, from Aberdeen, and Robbie Leitch, from Cove Rangers, on loan last month, as well as the permanent signing of Bo'ness Athletic striker, Tiwi Daramola, who returned to his former club on a temporary deal until the end of the season.

Clubs in the SPFL, outwith the top division, are, however, able to make domestic loan signings despite the transfer window being closed, and Potter said after his team's last match, against Falkirk, that he would "still like to bring another one or two in".

Potter has targeted strengthening in the forward and defensive areas and, speaking to Times Sport ahead of this Saturday's home match with Queen of the South, he commented: "We were close with one, but it didn't happen, for one reason or another.

"We're not there with anything at the moment, but we are continuing to try. A lot of clubs we've asked players for don't want to go part time.

"We've still got some irons in the fire and, hopefully, we can get one or two bits of business done.

"We want to keep trying to improve and catch the teams above us. I still believe that the squad is good enough to do that when fully fit."

Potter is set to welcome the Doonhamers with a full compliment aside from Jason Thomson, who it is hoped will soon begin running, and return to training within the next week or two.

The experienced full back missed five games in all competitions after picking up concussion during a loss to Airdrieonians in November, returning for the Hogmanay stalemate at Alloa Athletic, but hasn't featured since due to a knee problem picked up after an innocuous tackle in training.

That will be a boost for Kelty, who utilised their free weekend due to Scottish Cup action by organising a bounce game on Saturday between their first team and their under-20s, as they bid to try and climb up the League One table.

They can move level on points with seventh-placed Queens, who they have beaten in their previous two league meetings this season, with victory, and Potter noted: "They've got a new manager in (Marvin Bartley) and have signed a few players.

"They're a full time team, and would expect to be challenging at the top end of the league, and will be disappointed about where they are.

"Our aim is to try and catch the teams above us. We've got 12 games left, so we have to try and win a lot, but what better way to do that than by winning against the team immediately above us on Saturday."