Paul Hurst does not expect to add a free agent striker to his squad and is happy to rely on Freddie Sears and Kayden Jackson as the Blues wait for Ellis Harrison to return to fitness.
Harrison’s ankle injury and the loan-ending achilles problem suffered by Jon Walters has left Hurst thin on the ground when it comes to striking options, with the Blues boss admitting he was looking into the possibility of bringing a forward in on a free transfer.
But that search has come to nothing and, with Sears impressing in the win at Swansea and Jackson performing well in training, Hurst is happy to stick with what he’s got.
“I was told we were linked with a couple of players and all of a sudden agents are asking me if I want this player and that player,” he said.
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“I’ve genuinely had nothing come to my attention that I believe will benefit us so it’s a case of ‘as we are’.
“We hope Freddie can build on his performance (at Swansea) and I have to say this week Kayden’s looked very sharp in training. They’re the two obvious ones who have to take the opportunity in front of them.
“I’m confident in those two so I don’t really see anything happening to be honest, despite what one or two agents or reports suggest.”
Hurst consistently stressed how tough he expected finding a free agent ready to make an impact would be.
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He continued: “Depending on who it is, maybe there’s a reason why they’re a free agent.
“Whether that’s because they have a higher opinion on themselves, whether it’s they’ve let themselves go or whether they want too much money. Someone out there I might be doing a disservice to, but it’s unusual to get to this point in the season and still be struggling to find a home.
“I’m happy with what I’ve got and the quicker we can get Ellis back to add to that the better.
“At the same time we won’t rush that and risk a reoccurrence of it.”
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Harrison suffered ankle ligament damage prior to the game with Birmingham on September 29, with the former Bristol Rovers man making good progress.
“It was six weeks from him doing it, that was the estimated time and I think we’re on course for that,” he said.
“He’s had his boot off yesterday and has had a walk round the training ground, which I know doesn’t sound that inspirational, but it’s progress.
“He’s a bubbly character and desperately wants to get back out there.”
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