Big future still possible at Mansfield Town for Craig Davies

The 34-year-old spent much of last season on the sidelines with ankle problems and has only recently got back as far as the bench, making just three appearances as a substitute this season.

But, ahead of Saturday's home clash with Newport County, Coughlan said Davies was finally getting closer to a start.

“Craig is one of the players who has really worked his socks off to be fair,” he said.

“I have to take my hat off to him – his weight, his fitness levels – from the time we walked through the door, everything is pointing in the right direction for him.

“He is great with the young lads too.

“Craig is desperate for game time and getting back on the pitch to kickstart his career as he's missed so much of it in the last 18 months.

“Craig will play a part in our plans going forward.

“He is a great lad. He sets the tempo, he is good to have around the dressing room and around the club.

“He's a good pro with a lot of experience and I am looking forward to getting him out on the grass into a jersey. We are looking forward to working with him.”

With Davies and young Jordan Graham returning from long term injuries, Stags may have enough in the forward department to get by.

But, with the transfer deadline gone, Coughlan is monitoring the availability of free agents if needed.

“There is nothing in the pipeline but we are actively looking,” he said.

“If someone becomes available we could take them, have a look at them, and coach them up.

“They could get some game time in the reserves. Then we could possibly do something with them between now and the end of the season.

“It's all about getting the right ones. We could go out tomorrow and flood the club full of new players, but we need ones with the right mindset and the right mentality.

“And, of course, there is a reason why people would be free at this stage of the season. So there are a lot of things to look at and weigh up.”