ROSS County are ready to invest in new signings during the January transfer window as they seek to maintain the push for a place in the SPL.
With the Staggies enjoying the most impressive start to any campaign since joining the Scottish League in 1994, manager Derek Adams is determined not to rest on his laurels.
Adams has been told there is money available to spend without off-loading any of the 21-strong squad currently in place.
But the 36-year-old insists he will only bring in new faces if he is sure they can enhance the team.
Adams told the Journal, "It will be a case of seeing what's available to us in terms of possible additions.
"It can be difficult to take in players in January but I think every manager will be looking to see if there is any way they can strengthen.
"If possible, we will do that but there's nothing happening just now.
"Anyone we went for would have to be better than what we have - somebody who would improve the team.
"It's a difficult market we're looking in. We're speaking to clubs and seeing what we can do, but we're not too far down the line yet.
"There is scope within the budget to bring somebody in and nobody would have to leave."
Adams doesn't favour loan signings, but won't rule out taking that avenue.
He said, "I've never looked at loan signings as fitting my idea of how you stabilise a football club.
"I've done it once or twice and I might do it again, but I definitely won't have two or three loan players coming here."
County's form may obviously attract unwanted interest in some of their own players, but Adams remains in no rush to kick-start contract renewal talks.
He also made it clear it would take a significant offer to persuade him to part with any first team regular before deals expire in the summer.
Adams stressed, "We're just concentrating on the league at the moment. I'm sure at some time in the future we will discuss that.
"I'm continuing to look for players who can come into the football club, rather than see anyone leave.
"We know the players we have at the football club for the rest of the season and that's a good thing."
Boxing Day opponents Falkirk moved into second place, six points behind County at the weekend.
A Steven Craig goal earned a point at the Falkirk Stadium back in late August while County secured a rousing 3-1 victory at home in mid-November.
Like Adams' team, Falkirk remain undefeated on home turf in the league - something the Dingwall side want to alter on Monday.
The manager stressed, "Falkirk, like us, have a good home record and have only drawn two matches at home - one of which was against ourselves.
"Their team hasn't changed much since the last time we played them so we know the kind of game to expect.
"Falkirk have an opportunity to close the gap but it's also an opportunity for us to extend or maintain our advantage.
"We're going there to win the match. When you face teams around you, it's important not to lose but if you can win it's a great boost."
Striker Sam Morrow remains out, while midfielder Russell Duncan is still working back to full fitness.
Meanwhile, defender Johnny Flynn picked up a knee injury in training to join Marc Fitzpatrick on the treatment table.
Adams said, "Johnny has knee ligament damage so he will be out for a few weeks.
"But Richard Brittain is back from suspension and will return to a squad of 18 that we have for Saturday.
"Richie had played the whole of the season up until the Dundee game and is a very good player for us.
"He's the captain and leads the team well, so we're glad to have him available again.
