Crawley boss Dean Saunders admits he is finding it hard to use the funds freed up by Joe Walsh’s departure.

Reds skipper Walsh has joined MK Dons on loan for the rest of the season with a view to a permanent deal.

His exit means there is money in the kitty for Saunders to spend should he wish to strengthen the squad.

But he is not allowed to make permanent signings out of the transfer window and is restricted by the rule which says teams can only name five loan players in any matchday squad.

Crawley currently have Lewis Price, Richard Wood, Darren Ward, Anthony Wordsworth and Lee Fowler on loan at the Checkatrade.com Stadium.

Saunders told The Argus: “It is difficult. We can only sign non-contract players or a loan player and can only have five on the pitch.

“We are looking at trialists. We have had a few trialists in and out.

“However, it is hard with that because we haven’t got an under-21 team, we haven’t got a reserve team.”

Crawley host runaway League One leaders Bristol City today.

Saunders could be boosted by the return to fitness of Lanre Oyebanjo and Marvin Elliott, who previously played for Bristol City.

Defender Oyebanjo has missed the last four matches with a hamstring injury, while midfielder Elliott has been sidelined for the last three fixtures due to a similar problem.

Dean Leacock (groin), Conor Henderson (ankle) and Josh Simpson (hamstring) remain on the injured list.