Mark Yates has vowed not to be rushed into signings – despite seeing his squad reduced to 16 fit players.

The Crawley boss hopes to complete at least one deal before Cambridge visit tomorrow.

But he admitted: “I can’t get someone in just for the sake of it.

“If I bring nobody in we will be a little bit makeshift but we will be giving everything to keep our home run going.

“I’ve got the smallest squad in the world at the moment.

“I could go and get three or four players but I’ve got to get the right ones.

“We have been desperately trying to get the ones who will make us better and provide fresh impetus for us to kick on in the league.”

Defender Josh Yorwerth has recovered from a hamstring problem but Jimmy Smith is out with a broken foot and four loanees, including first-choice left-back Mitch Hancox, have returned to parent clubs.

Lanre Oyebanjo has recovered from a knee injury but his training has been restricted by wet weather.

Defence and defensive midfield are target areas and Reds must also find way to replace the goals they lost when loan star Rhys Murphy returned to Oldham, Yates told The Argus: “Do I see Rhys Murphy coming back here? No chance.

“I think Rhys has got ambitions to be a League One player and above.

“We have spoken to Oldham, we are speaking to Oldham.

“But I’m not sure there is a deal to be done at the moment.”