Rodgers seeks real deal in January

01 December 2011 17:46

Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers insists he will take a "quality over quantity" approach when the transfer window opens at the end of the month.

Rodgers' attempts to strengthen his squad at the end of the summer window were frustrated when FIFA refused international clearance to complete the defensive signings of Darnel Situ and Rafik Halliche, a blow which was exacerbated by Alan Tate and Steven Caulker suffering long-term injuries.

Rodgers had previously said he would look to bring up to six players to the Liberty Stadium during January, but he will not simply be looking to add extra bodies to his squad, saying: "I could bring in 10 bodies but they might be no good. I need to know I have quality."

He added: "The first six months of the season was always going to be a learning curve for us and the players that got us promoted had earned the right (to play in the Premier League).

"We had a couple of moves that fell through so we have had a really small group, but January will give us a chance to assess where we are at and we know fine well that we need to strengthen, but I am not one to bring people in for the sake of it.

"I would rather have quality than quantity and we need enough quality players here if I need to make changes that can affect the game."

The absence of full-back Angel Rangel, ruled out for up to a month with an ankle problem, and striker Danny Graham's current struggle with an Achilles injury, have highlighted concerns over the depth in Swansea's squad, particularly with Saturday's trip to Blackburn being one of six games this month.

Rodgers admits that Graham looks set to miss the trip to Lancashire due to his injury, but has backed Leroy Lita to fill the void should the former Reading and Middlesbrough man be called upon.

Rodgers said: "I would say it is more against than for (in terms of Graham's fitness). When Danny is injured you know he is properly injured as he is old school like that. I knew it was bad when he had to come off but we will assess it again tomorrow before we make a decision. Leroy is very hungry," he added.

"He has been fantastic and he is a great professional, and that's not easy as a striker as you live for goals and games. He has been a great squad player and he has to keep working, and when the chance comes he has to take it."

Source: PA