Ian Murray admits he's eyeing two new additions to his Airdrie squad as his bid to bring back Celtic midfielder Kerr McInroy continues to 'drag on.'
The Diamonds boss has spent the month trying to entice the midfielder back to New Broomfield after an impressive loan spell from the Hoops in the first part of the season.
McInroy, who is out of contract with Celtic at the end of the season, returned to Parkhead at the start of January and is currently assessing his options with a new Hoops deal unlikely.
He scored four goals in 13 appearances for the Diamonds and since his departure on January 8 Airdrie have won just once in four games.
Murray admits that while he's still keen to get McInroy back, he is looking at his options elsewhere and says he would like to make two new additions to his squad.
He told Lanarkshire Live Sport : "Kerr has dragged on for a long time now - for us, the player, for Celtic and for anyone else who is interested in him.
"It's up to Kerr. We made our intentions clear. We felt he should have done it quickly and kept the momentum going that he had here, for himself as a footballer.
"That hasn't happened, so he's looking at his options and we're looking at ours.
"We like him and I understand he's got to look out for what's best for him.
"But the bottom line is we want players who are really hungry to play for Airdrie and want to improve themselves. I'm not saying Kerr isn't, but it would be better if it had been done sooner rather than later in the month."
Asked if expected a busy couple of days ahead of Monday's transfer deadline at 11pm, Murray added: "We are always looking to add to our squad.
"The window closes on Monday but we know we can still bring in players [on loan] from higher leagues.
"That's what we try to do, bring in boys who are younger and need a bit of experience.
"If we can add to it, that would be brilliant and we probably still need another one or two in all honesty.
"But if we don't manage it there's still a good group of boys there."
Airdrie strengthened their defensive options last week with the return of right-back Kyle MacDonald on loan from Dunfermline and the arrival of Celtic left-back Brody Paterson on loan.
So the top priority for Murray will be in the forward line, with key players Gaby McGill and Salim Kouider-Aissa, who has been struggling with a knee injury since October, sidelined.
"At the moment we still need an attacking player, just because of injuries," he said.
"Gabby is out [with a leg injury], big Sal is out. If we had them fit we wouldn't be looking at those kinds of options.
"If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen.
"We won't be in a mad panic because we've brought in Brody and Kyle.
"To get two players in a window is great and if we can get any more that would be fantastic."
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