ST Mirren manager Alex Rae admits he has been frustrated in his attempts to add the final touches to his squad ahead of the new season – but expects at least three further additions.

The Buddies boss was speaking after his side’s 3-1 win over Stenhousemuir on Saturday. With the League Cup group stages kicking off on Saturday when Saints travel to Livingston, Rae is continuing to work on bringing in his targets.

These are likely to be loan deals which look unlikely to be concluded this week with Premiership clubs still assessing their squads for next season.

Rae said: “We’re trying to bring in more players but it’s proving a bit more difficult than we anticipated.

“We’re probably looking for three or four more players, depending on where we are financially.

“We’re looking for a winger and a couple of strikers. I’ve spoken to other managers recently and they’re struggling to get guys in as well.

“Unless there are strikers that pop up from nowhere, it’s likely that everyone is after the same players.”

“Loans are mostly what we’ll be trying to do. Once the Premiership teams get back into the swing of things, players will realise if they’re part of the first team plans or not that’s when we’ll be able to pursue players.”