Tam O'Ware has said that Kelty Hearts are still looking to strengthen their forward line in a bid to bolster their League One survival prospects.
The Maroon Machine saw their Scottish Gas Scottish Cup run come to an end in the last 16 at Dunfermline on Saturday, losing out to Chris Kane's double in the final 15 minutes.
They acquitted themselves well at KDM Group East End Park, particularly having gone into the game without a recognised centre forward, as well as several other key players through injury and unavailability.
Those included Sam Fisher, on loan from the Pars, and ineligible to play against his parent club, and defensive partner, Dylan Corr, who was cup-tied having played in a previous round for Greenock Morton.
Ross Cunningham, who re-joined the club last Monday from Stirling Albion, was in a similar position to Corr, whilst midfielder, Craig Clay, was suspended after being sent off against Cove Rangers in the last round.
Added to that, O'Ware was without long-term absentees such as himself, Robbie Cole and Craig Johnston, whilst Innes Murray was another who watched on from the stands.
Although the transfer window closed last Monday, SPFL clubs, outwith the Premiership, can bring in loan players from divisions above throughout February.
Bottom of the third tier, Kelty return to their question for survival on Saturday, when they welcome Peterhead to New Central Park.
"Performances like that is what they give every week," O'Ware said after the Pars loss.
"But, from the start of the season, I think once this season I've played my strongest team, and it was against East Fife away.
"I've never came across it as a player since I was 18 to 32. I've never come across a squad being riddled with injuries; three cruciate injuries, two ankle ops before pre-season's even finished.
"And then, again, it's no secret the budget was slashed in the summer.
"The squad wasn't as big and, to have not just players, key members, key players, missing for so long, we've had to adapt the whole season.
"I think we're in February and I've never played a team Saturday to Saturday that's the exact same. I've always had to change something, I've always had to change shape.
"Again, it's a testament to them. I tell them every week I feel for them because we can't get that fluidity, because every time it's changing.
"Even today, we've not got two centre-backs, so I need to play three there, and I didn't want to play three. Just because the way Dunfermline play, I didn't want to play three, because whenever we play against five, I love the fact our full-backs will be lower down and try and drag them out.
"But, for what we have fielded every week, regardless of personnel, regardless of strength, the boys give everything.
"We'll do everything we can to bring a striker in this week, but they'll continue to give everything.
"If we come up short, it'll not be for the lack of trying."
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