LEAM Richardson is looking for strength in numbers to boost Accrington Stanley’s survival bid.

The Reds manager is hoping for at least two loan signings before today’s 5pm deadline, with a striker believed to be on his wish-list following injury to Francis Jeffers.

The former Arsenal forward is doubtful for the Good Friday game at Wycombe Wanderers after suffering a hamstring injury in Saturday’s defeat at leaders Gillingham.

Richardson is hopeful the 32-year-old will have a chance for their Easter Monday game at home to promotion-chasing Burton Albion, after having a positive impact since signing earlier this month on a deal until the end of the season.

“Friday he will be doubtful, Monday he will have more of a chance but in my eyes if he’s 50-50 I’d rather leave him and have a fully fit Francis Jeffers for the last three or four remaining fixtures,” said Richardson, who could also be targeting defensive rein-forcements with Nicky Hunt likely to remain sidelined, also by a hamstring problem, for the Easter weekend fixtures.

But Richardson has been boosted by Rommy Boco reporting back fit from international duty with Benin, where he played in their World Cup qualifying defeat to Algeria.

The former Sligo Rovers star was struggling with a couple of knocks before meeting up with the Squirrels squad, but the Stanley boss said: “He’s coming through it. He’s fine.

“He got taken off (on Tuesday night) round about the 87 minute mark because their keeper got sent off. It’s a great experience for the lad.

“He went with our blessing and our wishes and hopefully we’ll have him back in good shape to finish off the season.”

Of his prospects of adding to his squad before the loan window closes, Richardson added: “I’m hoping to do something. I think it’s a must.

“I think we need bodies for the squad. At this time of the season we must do it to be better not just for the sake of it because there’s a good appetite in the dressing room and if you want to keep fuelling that and keep making it better you must be particular in who you get.”

“It’s a difficult situation because with six games left you can’t be too particular but there are certain areas we are weak on.”