PAUL Cox knows the forthcoming transfer window could be key to Guiseley's fight for National League survival.

After bringing in young defender Adam Crookes from Nottingham Forest and Oxford striker James Roberts on loan, the Lions boss is looking at further recruits.

Cox knows the opening of the transfer window on January 1 will present him with his biggest opportunity to bring in new blood.

Frustrated by long-term injuries to experienced players, he realises the need to add both depth and quality.

"I need a balanced squad capable of getting us away from the bottom of the league," said Cox.

"I cannot sit back and wait for the injuries to clear up. The clock is ticking and some members of the squad haven't even played a game this season."

The Guiseley chief has a list of potential targets and is doing his homework on them.

"The transfer window is a chance for us to bring in the quality we need and it is important that I get the right players," said Cox.

"I need to have a balanced squad that is up for the challenge. We are going to need wins to stay up.

"We have 24 games to play and I reckon we might need to win ten of them to reach the sort of points tally needed to stay up."

Cox, who has become increasingly frustrated by the on-going injury problems, is delighted to have brought in Crookes and Roberts.

"Adam is a talented left-sided defender who can play centre back or full back," he said.

"I am sure he can give us a lift because we currently have Darren Holden suspended for a further match and Danny Lowe sidelined for a month."

The position in defence is exacerbated by the absence so far this season of both Marcus Williams and Elliot Green, while Rob Atkinson has been out for more than two months with a hamstring problem.

Both loan players impressed in Wednesday night's 2-1 FA Trophy defeat at Gateshead, when the Lions adopted a new formation featuring three centre backs and two wing backs.

"Crookes was excellent and Robbo showed early on the threat he will pose when he is fully fit," said Cox.

The manager hopes that Roberts can bring pace and goals to the attack.

He said: "James can play through the middle, wide or in the number ten role and that versatility could prove useful when we have to change formations during games."