Irvine puts loan deal on hold at injury-hit Wednesday

The Owls have only 17 senior players available for tomorrow's home game against fellow strugglers Ipswich Town but Irvine has resisted the temptation to bolster his squad just now.

With eight more games to play before the deadline for emergency loan signings, Irvine will hold on before making the potentially crucial final move.

"There is a small amount of money still available but how I use it is crucial," he revealed. "Everyone can see we are bit short of players – we are very vulnerable at the front, because of injuries, and at the back we are even more vulnerable.

"But if I try and sign a forward and then lose a defender, the money will have been used up and we won't be able to strengthen where we really need to," he explained. "I have to be cautious as far as that is concerned and I hope we can get players back as quickly as possible."

Winger Jermaine Johnson, midfielder Tommy Miller, striker Francis Jeffers and defender Lewis Buxton are all currently sidelined but likely to be back next month.

The Owls, who were beaten 2-0 at home by neighbours Doncaster Rovers in midweek, are two points clear of the relegation zone ahead of tomorrow's game but have played a game more than opponents Ipswich who are only a point behind.

"Things are moving in the right direction," said Irvine. "But I think a few people thought, because we had won five games out of seven, the job was done and it isn't. We have a lot of tough games between now and the end of the season and the sooner we get the points on the board, the sooner we can relax a little bit and look to the future."

BRIGHTON manager Gus Poyet has played down speculation linking him with a job coaching Uruguay's Under-20s.

The former Leeds United assistant manager – Brighton face the Elland Road club tomorrow – is believed to be a leading contender for the vacant role but has pledged his future to the Seagulls.

"I am flattered to be linked to the job but I have signed a contract here until the end of the next season. At the very least I will honour that but I hope to be here much, much longer," he said.

"One day in the future it would be fantastic to be considered for a role with the national team, who knows? But for now I have a job to do here at Brighton and my aim is to achieve success here."