Mick McCarthy won’t make a raft of signings in the January transfer window, but has expressed his desire to keep short-term signing Darren Ambrose.

McCarthy has used just 25 players this season, including transfer-listed loan duo Frank Nouble and Anthony Wordsworth, but admitted he would find it difficult to further enhance his squad.

Crystal Palace midfielder Jonny Williams, whose second loan at the club was cut short by injury, could be an option, although teenager Teddy Bishop is now seemingly established as Town’s key flair player.

Ahead of tonight’s home clash with Charlton, McCarthy, who said it was unlikely the club would buy anyone next month, explained: “I’m not that bothered. “Where am I going to get anyone better?

“If we could find someone who could strengthen the squad and enhance our chances of being in the top-two in May, all the players would take that. But it’s getting that fine balancing act. I’ll be doing very well if I can better what I have got, that’s for sure.

“We have until March to take a loan deal to supplement something but I don’t know if they make such a big difference.

“We are looking, but there won’t be any plates spinning that are going to fall on my head immediately.”

Ambrose, whose deal runs out next month, has done enough to impress McCarthy who yesterday released defender Sean St Ledger.

“My intention would be to try and keep him and I think his intention is to definitely stay here,” he said.

“A couple of lads have said he has got better and stepped up a bit recently. He’s certainly complemented training and contributed in games.”