Those who are still disappointed with our lack of signings (did you not read my previous post?) should consider that we no longer have as much scope to strengthen our squad thanks to the FA rules brought in last year. Just in case you missed them, a club must register a squad of up to 25 players including a minimum of 8 home grown players (those that have been affiliated to the FA for a minimum of 36 months prior to their 21st birthday) and a maximum of 17 foreign players, which may be supplemented by an unlimited number of players under 21.

Which was all very well and good for us last year when Ciaran Clark, Marc Albrighton, Barry Bannan and Fabian Delph didn't have to be included in the 25. Unfortunately for us, in terms of squad numbers, they've all now turned 21 and take up a spot in our registered squad, which means less room for new signings.

I currently count 24 squad members, including our latest signings, who need to be included, which sounds near on perfect to me. I know people will look at that and say "Well surely there's room for one more", but giving ourselves room to manoeuvre in January isn't a bad thing, take the signing of Darren Bent for example.

The issue is, should we be pushing the youngsters more? Are they ready to step up? The four that are almost certainly new inclusions when the squad lists are submitted today seem up to the challenge, and have all had a fair amount of first team experience, but there are others like Herd and Lichaj, who were already in the 25-man squad, and Delfouneso, who will be next year, who perhaps have been under-utilised until now. These young players have to be given a proper chance if they are to fulfil any potential they may have, but that can't just start when they reach 21.