Ferguson hints at United transfer activity

Budget constraints have restricted Ferguson’s efforts to add to his squad this summer, although the Sky Blues have been linked with move for Linfield’s Matthew Tipton in recent weeks.

But as he looked ahead to this weekend’s home game against Dungannon Swifts (3pm), the manager said: “Hopefully we’ll have 18 or 19 players to choose from and, who knows, the transfer window is still open”.

When asked if he planned to make a late move before the August 31 deadline, Ferguson replied: “Watch this space.”

United will be aiming to build on Saturday’s victory at Crusaders as they welcome surprise joint table-toppers Dungannon.

“Dungannon are on a level par with us I think, in the sense that we have both finished in the bottom six in recent seasons but with both having aspirations of reaching the top six.

“Hopefully Saturday’s win gives the players some sort of inspiration to go on and get on a run and build some momentum.

Ferguson will check on the fitness of David Cushley (knee) and Mark McCullagh (dead leg) who both came off at Seaview.

Midfielder Gavin Taggart is available after completing a two-match suspension and he will play for the Reserves tonight (Tuesday)

Ball sponsor for Saturday’s game is Norman and Ian Armstrong (Kiosk Newsagents, Ballymena Railway Station).

United begin their League Cup campaign with a home game against Championship Two neighbours Ballymoney United on Monday night (7.45pm).