JIM Duffy has told how be hopes to land a new goalkeeper in time for Saturday’s Scottish Cup fourth round clash with Dunfermline at East End Park.

Duffy is actively scouring the market for a goalie who can increase competition for places between the sticks.

Although Derek Gaston is the recognised number one at Cappielow, boss Duffy wants to ensure that he’s also got a back-up goalkeeper who can push him all the way.

Duffy’s hand has been forced somewhat after Jamie McGowan dislocated his shoulder during a Development League West fixture and now faces months on the sidelines.

And although youngster Daniel Farrell, who was on the bench at the weekend, could fill the void, Duffy is aiming for a fresh face to bolster his options.

He told Tele Sport: “We hope to have someone in this week. Every player needs competition and goalkeepers are no different.

“If they have someone breathing down their neck they know their performances have to be better. You need competition in every position.”

But if someone does come in then Duffy reckons they’ll face an almighty task in trying the wrestle the number one jersey away from Gaston.

He said: “Derek’s a fantastic professional, he’s been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the country over the last few years since I’ve been here.

“He’s one of the most consistent goalkeepers around. Generally speaking, he’s been excellent.

“Even though he’s maybe not had the type of competition that other keepers have, it’s not stopped him from being a first class professional.

“He wants to do well and works so hard. If we bring someone in great, but if we don’t, I don’t think it’ll affect his performances at all.

“He doesn’t get complacent or blasé. He’s not that type of boy. He’s the type of boy that wants to do well and works hard at his game.

“If we get someone in, which I’m confident of doing, then great but if we don’t, I have every confidence in Derek’s professionalism.”

Duffy is also actively looking to bolster in the outfield department.

He said: “We are trying to bring a couple of players in because we know we need to try to add a little bit more to the squad. But it’s not as simple as offering someone a contract and someone accepting it.

“There are so many reasons why someone will go somewhere else, or stay where they are. You can go up a lot of dead ends but you keep working at it.

“You don’t just take someone for the sake of it, you try to get the right guys in — not just as footballers — but as people, so that they work well with the people you’ve got and work them into the system of the way you want to play.

“I’m confident we’ll have a couple of guys in soon but how soon, only time will tell.”