The Showgrounds supremo is anxious to bolster his attacking options by taking the burly frontman on loan until the end of the season.

Walker's striking options have been severaly restricted by lengthy suspensions to Andy Smith and new signing James McLaughlin.

Smith, by now, was expected to be two-thirds of the way through his six-game lay-off but, because of the shutdown due to the weather, has yet to begin his suspension, while McLaughlin won't be eligible for the first team until the Reserves complete three league fixtures after he was sent off for violent conduct in a reserve match before Christmas.

"As well as that, when you consider the number of matches we have to rearrange at short notice and the potential difficulties of transport in weather like this, it might not be possible to have Kevin Kelbie available for every game either," Walker told Times Sport.

That leaves just Nathan McConnell and Paul McNeill as the only recognised frontmen, hence Walker's eagerness to add another striker.

"It would be silly of me not to make enquiries about a striker – that is the one area I'm looking to strengthen in the January transfer window.

"I have spoken to Coleraine about Gibson and they would be conducive to him coming but I have to convince our Board that this is a move worth making because I'm well aware of the financial constraints.

"I have three players I could bring in now who would improve my squad but it isn't feasible because I wouldn't be able to move the requisite number of players out to make it it fit in the budget and I have absolutely no problem with that.

"Gibson is a big, strong lad who has a proven record of scoring goals in senior football but his progress has been disrupted at times by serious injuries including a broken leg."

Gibson was Coleraine's top scorer last season with 11 goals but he has been out of the picture this term due to the signing of Rory Patterson.

Ballymena fans will remember Gibson as the player sent off TWICE against the Sky Blues last season, including the Boxing Day 'derby'.

"We were very fortunate that we had someone who came forward to anonymously sponsor Chris Ramsey which enabled us to keep Chris until the end of the season and if anyone feels they could do the same in this instance, it would certainly be greatly appreciated because it's a deal where I don't think the figures involved are insurmountable," added Roy.

stephen.alexander@jpress.co.uk