Mansfield Town could bring two in on loan as deadline looms

Stags are also hoping striker Danny Rose, transfer-listed at his own request, stays but are worried over a possible ban for Jacob Mellis when the FA eventually hand out punishments for the Sheffield Wednesday pre-season brawl.

International call-ups are another concern as, if only two are called up, you can only postpone a game for losing three players.

“Hopefully we will strengthen. We are working with other clubs and we have got two or three options we have been looking at,” said Flitcroft.

“Defensively we have got good cover, certainly in the wing back areas, the one we are probably worrying on most is Jacob Mellis. We could be left a bit light there.

“You are always looking towards injury situations and form when you are recruiting. But we are in a position where we have a few things on the horizon with international call-ups and Jacob Mellis potentially missing some games.

“We are still waiting to hear from the FA regarding the incident versus Sheffield Wednesday.

“You have to plan for all those eventualities. But there are always things around the corner you can’t plan for.

“You can’t look into a crystal ball, and October is a big month with seven games already.

“Lads getting called up for internationals might alter that schedule.”

He added: “We probably need one or two to come in and we will work on that.

“But if it’s not right for the club I won’t do it. We’ve got good balance in the squad, performances have been good.

“I am delighted with the squad that’s been assembled and the way they are performing.

“But it is a relentless league and when it starts coming on top, Saturday/Tuesday, you don’t know what injuries you can pick up.”

Aside of Rose, winger Paul Anderson remains fit and on the transfer list for a move.

But, if he stays, Flitcroft said Anderson could yet force his way into his plans.

“There’s been nothing concrete yet (on Anderson) but sometimes there is a late flurry of activity as one player drops in.

“Depending on injuries or circumstances like lack of form, no player is ever totally out of my plans.

“But I have a good group of players that want to work together and move forward together and the cohesion in that group is very good at the minute, so I am certainly concentrating on that group.”