JOHN Coleman has so far been frustrated in attempts to add to his squad ahead of tomorrow’s pre-season friendly against Middlesbrough.

The Reds boss is keen to add at least a couple of new faces ahead of the start of the League One season next month.

Stanley have re-signed Piero Mingoia while also adding Will Wood and Sam Finley but Coleman is particularly keen to bring in a new goalkeeper as competition for Jonny Maxted as well as adding forward competition for first choice strikers Kayden Jackson and Billy Kee.

But he admits it has been a frustrating time in recent days as he tries to secure new faces.

“It is hard as teams higher up want to keep their players as long as possible, which doesn’t make my job any easier,” said Coleman.

“I spent five hours on the phone (on Wednesday) but we need players who will fit into our team, we need the right ones and we will wait if that is the case.”

Stanley have former Burnley youngster Robbie Leitch, 20, an attacking midfielder, on trial as well as an un-named French centre back and Coleman will make decisions on both in the coming days.

The Reds boss also said that although there had been interest in some of Stanley’s stars there had been no bids for players in the last few days.

Coleman’s side host Championship outfit Middlesbrough tomorrow and the Accrington chief is keen to put his side through as many different tests as possible ahead of the league opener at home to Gillingham on August 4.

“It is a test for us. We always like to test ourselves but you have got to test yourselves against different things,” said Coleman.

“We will have a very tough game next week at Southport away and it is all part of the build up and learning curve to get us really right for the opening day and for the days to follow.

The Reds have so far beaten Huddersfield Town and Hyde United 3-0 but lost 2-1 to Rovers Under-23s.

He added: “We acquitted ourselves well against Huddersfield on Saturday and played a behind-closed-doors game against Blackburn Under 23s who were too good for us on Tuesday afternoon.

“We split the squad and then sent the rest to Hyde on Tuesday night which was a good work-out. We are playing games at different levels, with different intensities to make sure we are in optimum condition for the Gillingham game.”

Coleman will have a full squad to choose from for the visit of Tony Pulis’ side while the second tier outfit are expected to field a strong side having returned from a summer trip to Germany earlier this week.

Stanley conclude their pre-season schedule with a trip to National League North side Southport on Tuesday (7.45pm) before hosting neighbours Blackburn Rovers next weekend (3pm).