STEVE Parkin is hopeful that City can do some deadline-day business before the transfer window shuts late on Monday night.

With Andrew Davies ruled out for up to two months, the focus may switch to adding a defensive recruit.

Assistant boss Parkin said: "We're always on the look-out.

"We're happy with the squad in terms of the quality within it. But numbers-wise, we've shown already with the loss of Lewis Clarkson and Andrew Davies with his arm, that has been chopped down a little bit.

"If we can find the right personnel to bring in, then we probably would strengthen. But it's dictated to by budgets, we know that, and what we can and can't do financially.

"The important thing is we keep looking and if, at any stage, the button's there to be pushed and the chairmen are happy, then we are ready to do that."

Parkin makes a nostalgic return to Rochdale this afternoon – a club where he spent over five years in charge during two spells.

"They are lovely people and its a really good football club who work within the limitations that they have to," said Parkin, who was Dale manager for 279 games.

"They always support their managers – I was able to bring good players to the club and it's been exactly the same for Keith (Hill).

"I'm looking forward to seeing some old faces. But I know it's never an easy place to go.

"When I was there, we'd always make it as difficult for the opposition as we could and this will be no different. It will be a stern test."