JIM Duffy has revealed that the addition of a new striker is likely to be his only capture during the January transfer window.

The Morton boss has been open about his desire to add to his forward line and that search has taken on even greater urgency with Jai Quitongo crocked and undergoing knee surgery on Wednesday.

To add to the selection woes in attack, Gary Oliver is rated doubtful for tomorrow’s clash with Dumbarton after picking up a head injury against St Mirren last Saturday and Jamie McDonagh is banned after being sent off in that match.

But while Duffy hunts for a new frontman, he says he’s comfortable with the players at his disposal in every other area of the pitch.

Speaking exclusively to the Telegraph, the manager said: “The only area I’m looking to strengthen is the striking department, that is the only position.

“We’re more than adequately covered defensively, in midfield and in wide areas.

“Young Scott Tiffoney has come back after his loan spell at Clyde where he got some first team experience.

“He’s seen what the game is about and he’s learned a little bit about the good and the bad, having to deal with the opportunity to play first team football and also the difficulties of competing at that level.

“So he will come back into the squad again.

“But it wouldn’t matter who would become available in other areas, I’m not interested.

“In my opinion we’ve got good enough players and enough flexibility in those areas to cope.

“The only area I’m looking to strengthen is the striking department.”

Duffy says that it’s unlikely that he’ll have a new frontman in the ranks before tomorrow’s clash against Dumbarton at Cappielow.

He said: “Ideally you’re looking to have someone in before the Saturday but at this moment in time, as I’m speaking, there’s nothing on the horizon or imminent.

“Things can change very quickly in football as everyone knows, but as of right now I’ve got nothing that I think would be available to us.

“We’ll keep making enquiries and asking the questions and sometimes things can change quickly.

“If it does happen and we do manage to get someone who is good enough and will add to us, then we’ll certainly do that.”

Looking ahead to the visit of the Sons, Duffy expects they will pose their usual difficult challenge and he is expecting an even trickier test because he will be without some key players for the visit.

He told the Tele: “Dumbarton do their jobs very well, they are very difficult to break down and they showed that last weekend when they got a clean sheet and a result against the league leaders.

“That shows that on their day they’re more than capable of beating anyone. From our point of view we know how difficult these games are, but we also make it difficult for the opposition and we won’t be sitting back or allowing the game to pass us by.”

The Ton boss says he will make a decision today on whether Oliver can play, after he was booted full force in the face during the Renfrewshire derby.

Duffy said: “There were a couple of days where he couldn’t train, his mouth and nose were hurt and there was almost like a whiplash effect.

“All that area was all stiff and sore so we’ll just have to look at him again. We’ll do some training with him today [Friday] and see how he feels about heading the ball and that kind of area.

“I’d say at the moment he’s doubtful. He’s been outstanding in the last few months, like most of the players, and very consistent.

“So if he’s unavailable other players have to step up to the plate and do the business. Jamie McDonagh is obviously suspended which is another blow for us, so with Jai being injured as well we don’t have many options in that area. It’s going to be difficult.”

However Duffy is confident Morton have enough strength in defence despite the departure of Gavin Gunning, who yesterday agreed to sign for League Two side Grimsby Town.

The Ton boss said: “All I can say is he was outstanding for us, a fantastic acquisition, and we wish him well. He’s helped us, we’ve helped him get back on track again – we’ve been good for each other. 

“But there will now be opportunities elsewhere and we’ll see how we cope with it in the coming weeks and focus on the players we do have.

“I’ve got Lee Kilday, who has been chomping at the bit to get back involved again, and Ricki [Lamie] has been outstanding when he’s played this season, either at left-back or centre-back, so I still think we’ve got plenty of options in that area.”