JOHN GREGORY is keen to strengthen a threadbare Crawley squad when the January transfer window opens.

But the Reds boss insists any new arrivals will have to fit into his vision for the club.

Crawley’s options have been further restricted following yesterday’s 2-0 defeat at home to MK Dons.

Billy Clarke was shown a straight red card which means he will be suspended for the next three games while skipper Dannie Bulman suffered a suspected fractured cheekbone.

Nicky Adams also came off early with a back injury although Gregory expects him to be fit for Sunday’s game at home to Notts County when Kyle McFadzean will return from a one-match ban and regular captain Josh Simpson could also be in contention following a month out with a hamstring injury.

Gregory said: “We are stretched to bursting point, not to say we can’t cope but it would certainly be a lot easier if we had a couple more bodies around. I’m looking to try to strengthen if we can. It is not an easy time with the transfer window, everybody holds you to ransom, players in particular.

“We need to be very careful and if we do get the chance to bring somebody in, we have to make sure he will be the right type of person I want to bring into the club.”

Gregory had no complaints with Clarke’s dismissal for a two-footed challenge on Lee Hodson five minutes from time.

He added: “It looked a red card to me. Billy had left the ground and it looked a two-footed challenge.”